Peer to Peer (P2P) Software – Copyright Infringements

Do you have a peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing program on your computer?

Examples of mainstream P2P software programs are listed below (this is not a complete list).

  • µTorrent (uTorrent)
  • WebTorrent
  • qBittorrent
  • BitTorrent
  • Deluge
  • FrostWire
  • Tixati
  • Tribler
  • BitComet
  • Shareaza
  • RetroShare
  • Ares Galaxy
  • WinMX
  • Soulseek

If you have P2P software on your computer and use it to download or share files illegally, you MUST remove it.

Here are a few reasons why you should remove P2P software whilst at University.

  1. To support the rights of content owners (musicians, filmmakers, etc.)
    • If you want to see the movie then show your appreciation and pay for it.
  2. To avoid infection from computer malware or viruses
    • Why do you think downloading dodgy files is safe for your computer?
  3. To avoid getting cut off from the University and College network
    • Hopefully you won’t have any online exams or assignments to submit
  4. To avoid a meeting with University and College officials
    • We are a friendly bunch, but it’s better to meet in nicer circumstances
  5. To avoid getting caught illegally downloading or distributing files
  6. To avoid paying copyright infringement administration fees from IT Services (currently £50.00)
  7. To avoid fines or settlements to the Music and Film industries or other associations
    • If you are a persistent downloader then this can quickly escalate to the Proctors

What Happens When I Get Caught?

  1. When IT Services receive a “Cease and Desist” notice for Copyright Infringement from the Music or Film or Software industries they immediately block internet access to the computer that is sharing the files.
  2. IT Services then email the IT Office with details of the blocked computer and charge a £50.00 an administration / handling fee to the College. The IT Office passes this handling fee straight to the student’s Batells.
  3. The IT Office then informs the Dean of the Copyright Infringement and the student “may” be charged a fine for breaching College IT regulations.
  4. Once the copyright material has been removed together with the P2P software the IT Office informs IT Services that the Internet block can be lifted.

If you wish to discuss Peer to Peer software and/or how you can ensure that you never need pay these charges from IT Services and College, then feel free to email or telephone the IT Office and we will be happy to discuss options.

SAVE SOME MONEY!

Secondhand copies of DVDs can go for less than £5.00 – you could get more than a dozen titles for £60!

WeBuy.com – Lots of DVDs for £1- https://uk.webuy.com/boxsearch?categoryIds=1139

Oxfam online shop – https://onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/

Preloved.co.uk – http://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/list/3621/dvds.html

Amazon DVD and Blu-Ray (check out the ‘used’ listings) – https://www.amazon.co.uk/DVD

Amazon Student – https://www.amazon.co.uk/student

Or you could sign up for a streaming service?