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THE HIGH COST OF FREE MUSIC DOWNLOADS

It's simple: Using your computer to download or share copyrighted materials-such as music, videos, and games-without permission from the copyright owner is illegal, has cost Syracuse University college students thousands of dollars in civil penalties, and violates SU policy.

FACT: The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has established an aggressive campaign to reduce online music piracy on college campuses.

Tactics include:

  • The RIAA aggressively monitors college networks for illegal downloading or file-sharing activities;
  • The RIAA is filing more complaints against college students for alleged copyright violations;
  • The RIAA is asking colleges and universities to forward out-of-court settlement offers to students for alleged copyright violations; and
  • The RIAA is filing civil lawsuits against college students for alleged copyright violations.
Do it legally: Legal music downloading services are available through a number of online vendors, including iTunes (www.apple.com), Yahoo! Music Unlimited (music.yahoo.com), and Napster (www.napster.com).

The Ruckus online music service shut down without notice on February 6, 2009. Ruckus had a relationship with Syracuse University and many other colleges and universities to provide free music downloading services for students. Click the following links for more information:

Cornell Sun article

Washington Post article

Engadget article