Related Policies
Technology Access, Security, and Use
Indiana University has a rich information technology environment, and while some personal use of computers, networks, and telecommunications systems is permitted, access to these resources is provided primarily in support of academics, research, administration, and other university activities. Access to such an environment comes with responsibilities.
Use for personal commercial gain is not permitted under any circumstances, so students may not use IU resources to support a private business.
Students are responsible for ensuring that their personal computers are secure and free from viruses and other malicious programs. Information about security and related issues can be found at the Web site of the University Information Security Office (http://protect.iu.edu/).
Illegal acts will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Such acts include but are not limited to harassment, threats, pyramid schemes, trafficking in child pornography, and computer trespass or tampering.
Many common uses of computers, photocopiers, and other technologies can result in violation of copyright law. Downloading or distributing whole copies of copyrighted material for personal use or entertainment without explicit permission from the copyright owner is most certainly illegal. Copyright law applies to materials such as music, movies, games, or other software in both digital and analog format. File sharing applications are not illegal, but many of the files being shared through such applications are illegal copies being distributed by users who do not have permission to share them.
While Indiana University does not actively search for instances of copyright violation, the university is obligated to investigate complaints of illegal activities or inappropriate use taking place on the IU network. Copyright holders regularly notify IU of infringing activity using the procedures outlined in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) of 1998. When IU receives such a complaint, the university is legally required to take action to remove the offending material from the IU network. More information is available in the IU Knowledge Base (kb.iu.edu).
Those who commit an infringement may be held personally liable under the law; those who commit the infringement with university-owned resources also violate university policy and could face disciplinary actions. Students must make the effort to understand the copyright law that protects books, computer software, Web sites, multimedia files such as movies and music, and other works. Remember that a work need not include any copyright notice or other indication of copyright to have automatic legal protection. Copying short excerpts of works for limited distribution and access may be “fair use” and not an infringement. Students are responsible for learning about fair use and its application to their projects. Information about copyright and fair use can be found at the Copyright Management Center site (http://copyright.iu.edu/).
If the University receives any report of violations of law or policy perpetrated by any member of the IU community using IU resources, that report will be investigated and reported to the appropriate law enforcement and/or university office for possible action. Students should visit the Web pages of the University Information Technology Policy Office (http://protect.iu.edu/) to learn more about Indiana University information technology appropriate use policies, and the services of the Policy Office.
