Finding Legal Online Music and Other Electronic Content
It is a federal crime to distribute or download copyrighted music, movies, or software on the Internet without permission from the copyright owner. As outlined in DePauw University’s Electronic Communications and Acceptable Use Policy, the University data network may not be used to violate copyright laws.
The University respects network users’ privacy and does not routinely search user files; however, the University is required by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) to identify copyright violators when subpoenaed. You should be aware that you are not anonymous when you use an illegal file sharing system and the copyright owner’s agents can easily identify you.
Resources for finding legal sources for online music, movies, software, and other intellectual property
There are numerous legal sources for online music, movies, software, and other intellectual property. The University encourages its students, faculty, and staff to explore and use these resources to maintain compliance with University policies and laws. The resources noted below reference sources that allow you to legally purchase/license and download content.
- DePauw University Libraries license considerable intellectual content, including music, for campus use at no cost to the campus community.
- Watch It Legally will help you find places to download, stream, or listen to music legally. It is published by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).
- Why Music Matters provides a list of the licensed music services in the United States. It is published by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Copyright-related inquiries
For inquiries related to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, please contact the University's registered agent at dmca-agent@depauw.edu.
If you have more general questions relating to copyright, the Libraries provide information and resources related to U.S. Copyright Laws at Copyright and Open Access at DePauw.
Latest update: 07-Dec-2023