File sharing is not an illegal activity on the UCLA networks. However, there are two things to remember if you are going to share files.

  • If you are giving files, you must own the material or have permission from the copyright holder to distribute the material.
  • If you are receiving files, you must have permission from the copyright holder to have the file(s).

The federal government has laws regarding file sharing. The laws are all part of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

  • As an ISP, UCLA is bound by the DMCA to investigate alleged infringements. UCLA receives these notices from the copyright holder or his authorized agent.
  • UCLA, under the DMCA, is bound by the notice to immediately revoke access to the alleged material.
  • UCLA restricts access to the material by putting your network connection in a restricted state.
  • You are sent an email to your UCLA email address informing you of the complaint.
  • You are required to remove the alleged material if you indeed have it.
  • You are required to sign an agreement that you will refrain from distributing copyrighted material that you do not have expressed permission to do so.
  • Subsequent complaints are referred to the Dean of Students for resolution.

Additional Information 

For additional information regarding legal file sharing, visit http://www.getlegal.ucla.edu/is_it_legal.htm