Spring Break
RIAA takes on students
CLAIRE MILLER
Issue date: 6/21/07 Section: News
The Recording Industry Association of America filed lawsuits against 15 University students for illegally downloading music, according to a June 15 news release.
These lawsuits are a small fraction of the 400 total suits filed against college and university students across the country since Feb. 28, according to an industry official who asked to remain nameless.
The RIAA sent letters to universities and asked the schools to forward the letters to students violating copyright laws. The letters give the students the option of settling the suit at a lower rate without making the suit public, the official said.
If students don't choose this option or don't respond to the letters, the industry will continue with formal legal action, the official said.
In the University's case, the RIAA sent settlement letters to the Security and Abuse Department of Enterprise Information Technology Systems, who then sent copies of the letters to Student Technology Support, said Evan Demere, who works for Student Technology Support.
"It's our job to inform the students of the violation," Demere said.
Student Technology Support forwarded the letters to the students, unlike some universities, such as North Carolina State University and the University of Maine, who refused to pass the letters on.
"The University of Georgia is going to comply with any legal requirements handed down to us," said John Gorzynski, the assistant manager of Student Technology Systems.
These lawsuits are a small fraction of the 400 total suits filed against college and university students across the country since Feb. 28, according to an industry official who asked to remain nameless.
The RIAA sent letters to universities and asked the schools to forward the letters to students violating copyright laws. The letters give the students the option of settling the suit at a lower rate without making the suit public, the official said.
If students don't choose this option or don't respond to the letters, the industry will continue with formal legal action, the official said.
In the University's case, the RIAA sent settlement letters to the Security and Abuse Department of Enterprise Information Technology Systems, who then sent copies of the letters to Student Technology Support, said Evan Demere, who works for Student Technology Support.
"It's our job to inform the students of the violation," Demere said.
Student Technology Support forwarded the letters to the students, unlike some universities, such as North Carolina State University and the University of Maine, who refused to pass the letters on.
"The University of Georgia is going to comply with any legal requirements handed down to us," said John Gorzynski, the assistant manager of Student Technology Systems.
Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 9
Michael Covington
posted 6/21/07 @ 9:59 AM EST
Students who get these letters should stay in touch with EITS for possible further advice. The RIAA is not always correct in its accusations.
CoastalDawg
posted 6/21/07 @ 11:22 AM EST
While the recording industry has decided that it is illegal for someone to share his personal music collection with friends, does that make them right? The person who originally purchased the music is the one who is "guilty" if there is such a thing as guilt in this matter. (Continued…)
Boda
posted 6/21/07 @ 7:23 PM EST
Fuck the RIAA
CoastalDawg is absolutely right, so I won't repeat any of his points.
In this play, The University chumpishly accepts its role as Accomplice and Thoughtslave to the Man (played by the RIAA). (Continued…)
Jacques
posted 6/21/07 @ 10:24 PM EST
"North Carolina State University and the University of Maine, who refused to pass the letters on"
But not UGA! Noooooo-UGA with its free speech zones, what can you expect but Big Brother at UGA?
CoastalDawg
posted 6/22/07 @ 11:08 AM EST
Am I understanding correctly that the actual letters were sent to the University of Georgia to be passed on to students? If that is correct, that in itself makes UGA an agent for the recording industry. (Continued…)
Michael Covington
posted 6/23/07 @ 10:41 AM EST
There's been a fair bit of nonsense here from other commenters.
It has always been illegal to buy a copyrighted record or book and distribute copies to your "friends. (Continued…)
Jacques
posted 6/23/07 @ 9:04 PM EST
North Carolina State University and the University of Maine are also state universities, not private.
Clay Kimbro
posted 6/26/07 @ 8:24 PM EST
These comments are turning really negative against the University for this and I think that might be a little unfair to the University.
The letters are made to be passed on by internet service providers (this would include private companies). (Continued…)
Post a Comment