In an attempt to regulate illegal file-sharing, Universal Studios Inc. notified UW-Madison officials of 127 campus network users who have violated federal copyright laws.
\We take the issue of movie piracy very seriously. It's a very big challenge facing our industry right now,"" said Iris Gelt, a spokesperson for Universal Studios.
As one of several campuses across the country contacted by Universal Studios, UW-Madison officials are obligated to notify the 127 users who have set up their computers as a server to host peer-to-peer sharing of a file.
""When it comes to our attention that one of our films is on the Web, we take immediate and appropriate action to take it down and to protect our rights. Sending these notices is part of our campaign,"" Gelt said.
Downloading and sharing files is not only illegal, it is also against university guidelines and a potential threat to campus resources, according to Brian Rust, communications director for UW-Madison Division of Information and Technology.
While the DoIT security department will initially identify and notify those engaged in illegally downloading and sharing files, Rust said the dean of students and faculty supervisors are responsible for appropriate action.
In an attempt to manage and control movie piracy, Gelt said Universal Studios will continue to track illegal distribution and require a response from the university.
""As one of the first studios to put systems in place to track the illegal distribution of our films, we monitor the Web vigilantly,"" Gelt said.
While DoIT officials are not sure if all 127 violators are students on the campus network, students said they were unaware that such actions are illegal.
""I had no idea I could get caught and punished for downloading movies. I have several on my computer right now,"" said UW-Madison freshman Jon Platt.
When using the campus network, students said the movies are easily accessible and are downloaded often.
""It's just so quick and easy to download movies. My friends and I never rent movies anymore when we can get them online for free,"" said UW-Madison freshman Candice Hansey.
Despite its easy accessibility, Rust warned against such illegal file-sharing and predicted the rise of its targeting and prosecution.
""This may be just the beginning. Universal Studios is just one movie studio. There are a number of others out there that I'm sure are pursuing the same kind of action,"" Rust said.
