Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) has been notified that the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is taking legal action against many college students around the country, including several from Rensselaer, for allegedly providing access to copyrighted materials via the Internet. The RIAA has not initiated legal action against Rensselaer.

The RIAA asserts that some of the alleged activities were conducted over Rensselaer networks. The Institute has a long-standing policy that prohibits students, faculty, and staff members from using Rensselaer-owned and operated equipment for unethical or illegal purposes. Rensselaer’s Policy on Electronic Citizenship specifically prohibits using, accessing, copying, printing, and storing copyrighted material in violation of a copyright. Students are informed of Rensselaer’s Policy on Electronic Citizenship in writing and during information sessions upon entering Rensselaer and again in writing at the beginning of each academic year.

Contact: Theresa Bourgeois
Phone: (518) 276-2840
E-mail: bourgt@rpi.edu