Frequency

Recently, the recording industry has been using various tactics to curb illegal file sharing. It has tried suing its customers and infecting their computers with embedded DRM software. But now, in the latest low-blow in the fight against copyright infringement, students ripping off the latest Rihanna single may be jeopardizing their university's federal funding. \nSection 494 of the education bill currently before Congress, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, is titled "Campus-Based Digital Theft Prevention" and makes two essential requirements for universities receiving federal funding. Universities must first take steps to educate students about official policies concerning copyright infringement, as well as possible civil and criminal penalties for file sharing. Schools must also develop a plan for offering alternatives to illegal downloading and explore technology-based deterrents to prevent such illegal activity. \nThe issue that has commentators hot and bothered is providing alternatives to illegal downloading. Most observers have concluded that this will force purchase services such as Ruckus or Napster, benefiting Hollywood at the expense of education. \nThis conclusion may be a bit presumptuous, given the bill's vague language, but another, perhaps more troubling conclusion is that universities will be forced either by law or practicality to limit student network use. Comcast recently blocked several users from using peer-to-peer file sharing networks such as BitTorrent, and there should be legitimate fear of such practices on campus. \nLike plagiarism, digital copyright infringement is plainly wrong. However, there are countless lawful and necessary reasons for large-scale file sharing in an academic setting. Forcing universities to police network use hurts the education process and has a chilling effect on free speech. University networks are far from being the only sources of digital copyright infringement, and it seems illogical to risk something as precious as federal funding for education in order ensure Nickelback's royalty payments. At the very least, this is yet another reason to move out of the dorms.