Students accused of illegal music downloading could face on-campus probe

ORONO – Students from five of the University of Maine System’s seven campuses who are accused of illegally downloading or sharing music files on the Internet could face an on-campus investigation of their alleged actions.

“A few weeks ago, the university system was among several system colleges and universities across the country that were notified that [the Recording Industry Association of America] was intending to pursue legal action against students,” UMS spokesman John Diamond said last week.

UMS has received letters from RIAA for 27 students, none of whom are from the Farmington or Augusta campuses, and officials were asked to notify those who allegedly downloaded music without the copyright holders’ permission.

It previously was thought that there were accused students on all of the UMS campuses.

“There is no legal action being pursued or contemplated against the university system,” Diamond said. “It’s a matter between the individuals involved and RIAA.”

He added that UMS and its campuses haven’t done anything wrong, and only provided the Internet service through which the students allegedly violated the law.

Violating copyright laws, however, is against university policy, and the students likely will be referred to Student Affairs by the individual campuses, where the incidents will be investigated.

“The university system student code of conduct does address the issue of illegally downloading music, video and other violations of copyright laws, and it is something that the university pursues,” Diamond said. “If it’s determined that a student did violate the code of conduct, then there are actions that can be taken, including revoking that student’s access to the Internet through the university.”

University of Maine spokesman Joe Carr said he wasn’t aware of any referrals being made yet on the Orono campus, where 14 students allegedly violated the rules, but added that referrals sometimes take time.

UMS was among 23 colleges and universities across the country that were sent letters by RIAA, which said it would allow any person identified as stealing music to resolve copyright infringement claims at a discounted rate before a formal lawsuit is filed.

The RIAA previously wouldn’t disclose the average amount of money the suspected offenders are being asked to pay in order to avoid a lawsuit, but lawyers at Ohio University said settlements can range from $3,000 to $5,000.

Other universities targeted in the deterrence program include Boston University, Columbia University, Dartmouth College and the University of Wisconsin System.