Rationale: Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Ban

Policy Rationale

Miami University blocks peer-to-peer ports to eliminate network/Internet disruptions. Therefore, peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing applications, including BitTorrent, Gnutella, WireShare, and others, will not work at the University. Some reasons involve technology; others do not.

• Worms and viruses have dramatically increased use of the same ports that are used by P2P file sharing applications. The activity of these worms has, many times, produced enormous amounts of network traffic, putting the campus network at risk and taking down Miami's Internet connection. Miami blocked these ports to eliminate network/Internet disruptions.
• Miami has been deluged with copyright infringement notices from the RIAA, Sony, MGM, and other copyright holders. The staff time consumed in following up on reports of illegal activities is enormous and detracts from meaningful work that could be accomplished. Miami chose to use staff time for improvements to technology services, rather than use staff time to process copyright complaints.
• As educators and learners, we value creativity and intellectual property. As an institution, we value those who create a stanza, a sonnet, a novel, a painting, a sculpture, or a song. P2P traffic is used in most — but not all — cases to acquire the intellectual property of others without their knowledge or consent.

Note

• There are legal alternatives to P2P file sharing. Follow this link to the EDUCAUSE page on legal sources of online content to learn about legal alternatives for downloading music, movies, and TV shows

Related Document

• Review this policy in its entirety at Miami University Policy Library: Unauthorized Peer-to-Peer File Sharing (MUPIM 19.4/OAC 3339-19-04)