Most filesharing networks are used for moving large amounts of content that people can't legally have without a purchased copy. Getting caught receiving or distributing copyright protected content by its owner could mean a lawsuit, and would definitely not go over well with your dean or your department.

Although no one at Columbia is monitoring the content of what is uploaded and downloaded through its network, it's very easy for copyright owners and their agents to join the filesharing network and collect that information themselves.

The programs and networks themselves present security risks. The programs often come packaged with spyware, and the networks are congested with viruses pretending to be popular songs or movies.

Legal Online Entertainment Options

Columbia Copyright Policy and Useful Links

Information on disabling sharing in various applications from Duke University and The University of Chicago

To reach this page quickly in the future, use the keyword filesharing.

Send reports of security incidents, attacks, or questions to security@columbia.edu