Legal Content
Use of Peer-to-Peer File Sharing at Kennesaw State University
The use of Kennesaw State University's network and computing resources are subject to the KSU Network Access and Computer Usage policies, respectively. Both policies state that unauthorized file sharing such as downloading or distribution of copyrighted digital content, including, but not limited to, music/video content, software, are prohibited at KSU and may incur sanctions.
What is copyright law and how do I identify copyrighted digital content?
United States law (title 17, U.S. Code) provides protection to the authors of "original works of ownership" and protects both published and unpublished works. [U.S. Copyright Office]
When you aquire digital content such as music, movies, software, documents and electronic books either via purchasing a physical media such as a CD, DVD, book or downloading it via the internet through a legal entity, you are granted a license, which in most cases does not include permission to distribute the content to third parties, except as outlined in Section 107 of the copyright law. [Fair Use Fact Sheet]
Violations
Individuals in violation of the Network Access and/or Computer Usage policies are subject to a range of sanctions including, but not limited to, the loss of computer or network access privileges, disciplinary action, dismissal from the University, and/or legal action. Some violations may constitute criminal offenses, as outlined in the Georgia Computer Systems Protection Act and other local, state, and federal laws.
Legal Sources of Online Content
The following listing provides links to sites that offer legal online content for downloading. This list is provided as a courtesy and does not imply endorsement or evaluation of the sites and services by Kennesaw State University. For a more comprehensive list of legal sources, we encourage you to visit the Educause website.
