Student Life Handbook: Policies and Procedures Computer and Network Use and Copyright Infringement

It is expected that Westmont’s information technology resources will be used in an effective and efficient manner authorized by the college in support of its mission and consistent with the law. All other use is inconsistent with college policy and may be illegal. The college does not authorize the use of its Internet access for the illegal downloading, exchanging or distribution of any copyrighted media. Unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials including peer-to-peer file sharing may subject you to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion as well as to civil and/or criminal liabilities. For more information on acceptable use of college technology please refer to the Information Technology Resource Policy.

Monitoring Internet Activity

Please be aware that the college monitors its network for unauthorized activity. In addition, the Recording Industry Association of America and the Motion Picture Association engage third-party services to monitor the Web for the instances of infringement of their copyrighted material using technology that can trace IP addresses to both the original and subsequent infringers.

College Discipline, Civil and Criminal Penalties

In the event the college’s Information Technology Department detects an infringement occurring at your Internet protocol address, (IP address), your access may be turned off, and you will receive a notice to report to the Student Life Office for possible disciplinary action. The college will not activate your access again until you do so.

Be advised that individuals found legally responsible for copyright infringement may be liable for statutory damages up to $80,000 for each work infringed and, if willful infringement is proven by the copyright owner, that amount may be increased up to $250,000 for each work infringed. In addition, an infringer of a work may also be liable for the attorney’s fees incurred by the copyright owner to enforce his or her rights. Furthermore, violations of criminal statutes subject you to penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment depending on the nature of the offense.