Terminology
Copyright and Illegal Downloading
Copyright law protects the value of creative work. If you reproduce or distribute someone's creative work without authorized permission, you are stealing and breaking the law, and you could be held legally liable for thousands of dollars in damages. This applies to movies, music, software, and more.
There are numerous websites that explain copyright law and what’s legal and illegal. Know your facts by visiting some of the following websites:
Movies
- Movies Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA)
If you download a movie from an unauthorized source or sell counterfeit DVDs on the street, you are a movie thief. Learn about the consequences and where you can go to legally download movies.
Music
- Music United
A recent study found that music piracy causes a $12.5 billion economic loss every year and approximately 71,000 lost jobs in the US. Learn about the law, why you shouldn’t do it, and how to reset or un-install your peer-to-peer software to keep it legal.
- Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)
The RIAA is a trade group that represents the U.S. recording industry. RIAA members create, manufacture, and/or distribute 90% of all legitimate sound recordings produced and sold in the US. To support their mission, they work to protect intellectual property by fighting piracy online and on the street.
- What’s the Download.com
What’s the download.com is a place for music fans to learn about the issues, hear artists’ views on downloading, and to create dialogue between music makers and music fans.
Peer-2-Peer File Sharing
Software
- Business Software Alliance (BSA)
You know it’s wrong, but do you know the risks? Find out the ways in which you may get duped, burned, bounced, booted, or busted when it comes to sharing or downloading software illegally.
- Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA)
All software comes with a license agreement that states the terms and conditions under which the software may be legally used. Licenses vary, so how do you know if you are installing a legal copy. The software industry loses about $12 billion in revenue every year to software piracy. Learn about piracy and the consequences of participating in it. Find out what you can do if you think you inadvertently purchased a counterfeit copy.
Organizations to Help Keep You Safe Online
- GetNetWise - information on keeping children safe online, stopping unwanted e-mail and spam, protecting your computer from hackers and viruses, and keeping your personal information private
- StaySafeOnline.org - National Cyber Security Alliance
- i-Safe – information on educating and empowering youth to make their Internet experiences safe and responsible.
- Microsoft – A Parent’s Guide to Online Safety
- OnGuardOnline.gov - “practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information”
- StaySafeOnline – information on cyber security practices
- WiredSafety
Protecting Your Computer, E-mail, and Passwords
News Reports and Media on Online Security
Discussion Questions
- Interested in leading a discussion with your class, residence hall, or other group? Get started by reviewing some discussion questions.
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