Peer-To-Peer, NetFlix & IRC Policy

Universities and colleges share the same struggle in keeping their ResNet networks operating with efficiency and within legal boundaries. Peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing applications grossly affect both the efficiency of network services and are almost always used in violation of Copyright law.

While there are some legitimate academic, research, and personal uses of P2P file sharing, the University recognizes that most P2P activity is for non-educational purposes. Activities such as copying music and video files for personal enjoyment, often violate Copyright law and/or use a disproportionate amount of network resources. Programs such as KaZaA, Gnutella, LimeWire, BitTorrent, Ares, and others, configure computers to serve the files that are downloaded - putting tremendous strain on network resources.

Similarly NetFlix streaming puts an inordinate load on the University network.  Using NetFlix in the classroomis a violation of the NetFlix contract and a copyright violation.

Policy:

1. The technical and legal costs and risks associated with P2P activities have led to a University policy that prohibits the use of P2P applications on the SVSU campus network.
2. Due to the legal implications of copyright violations, NetFlix is prohibited from use in the classroom.  (NetFlix use in ResNet, Offices and the Wireless Network is permitted as that does not violate copyright.