RIAA To Congress: Universities Must Address Illegal File-Sharing

In other RIAA news, association Pres. CARY SHERMAN testified before a HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES subcommittee TODAY (9/26) and voiced concern about how the nation's colleges and universities are addressing illegal file-sharing on campus.

"We have found that many of them resist taking action or do as little as possible in order to brush off further responsibility," SHERMAN said. "This reality is evident in the fact that more than half of students in a recent survey said they weren't even sure whether illegal downloads were against their college or university's policies.

Looking the other way when students engage in illegal activity on its network sends a message -- and it's the wrong one

"No administration would teach its students that stealing is OK. But when a school fails to act, it is teaching. Looking the other way when students engage in illegal activity on its network sends a message -- and it's the wrong one."

SHERMAN noted several steps taken by the industry to date, including offering universities a slate of educational tools and guidance, legal services, and an introduction to technologies. His testimony was before the Subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness, part of the Committee on Education and the Workforce led by Rep. RIC KELLER (R-FL).

Earlier this year, the SENATE passed a resolution recognizing that "institutions of higher education should adopt policies and educational programs on their campuses to help deter and eliminate illicit copyright infringement occurring on, and encourage educational uses of, their computer systems and networks."

Click here to read SHERMAN's full testimony.

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