Email notice is sent to All Students Regarding Internet Copyright Infringement and Digital Millennium Copyright Infringement Notices. Please visit the University's Consumer Information web site for details.
As part of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), the University of South Dakota is required to provide annual information regarding copyright infringement, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), and responsible use of university technology resources.
Copyright Infringement and File Sharing
Uploading, downloading, streaming, or sharing copyrighted content without permission from the copyright owner is illegal. This includes movies, television shows, music, games, software, ebooks, and other copyrighted materials.
Unauthorized distribution of copyrighted content can result in civil penalties, criminal prosecution, and financial liability. Organizations representing copyright owners regularly monitor internet activity and submit infringement notices to internet service providers and universities when unauthorized sharing is detected.
USD receives copyright infringement notices from time to time. When the university receives a notice associated with a student device or account, the university investigates and responds in accordance with university policy. First-time incidents may result in an educational notice, while repeated alleged violations may be referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Please remember that you are responsible for activity originating from your devices while connected to the USD network, even if another person is using the device.
Prohibited Devices and Services: "Super Boxes," Residential Proxies, and Similar Services
The University of South Dakota prohibits the use of "super boxes," unauthorized IPTV streaming devices, residential proxy services, and similar technologies on the USD network.
Many so-called "super boxes" advertise free access to premium television channels, movies, sporting events, and subscription streaming services. These devices frequently provide access to copyrighted content without authorization and are commonly associated with copyright infringement. Connecting or using these devices on the USD network is not permitted.
Examples include:
- "Super boxes" or IPTV streaming devices that provide unauthorized access to premium television, movies, sports, or subscription services.
- Applications, websites, or services that distribute copyrighted content without authorization.
- Residential proxy networks that pay users to share their internet connection with third parties.
- Services that route internet traffic through personal devices for the benefit of unknown users.
Residential proxy services present additional security and privacy concerns. These services route internet traffic from other individuals through your device and network connection. Activity performed by others may appear to originate from your account or device, creating potential security, compliance, and legal risks.
Students are responsible for all activity originating from their devices while connected to the USD network. Use of prohibited devices or services may result in:
- Copyright infringement notices being sent to the university.
- Investigation by Information Technology Services.
- Loss of network access privileges.
- Referral to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
- Additional disciplinary action as permitted by university policy.
If you are unsure whether a device, application, or service is permitted, do not connect it to the USD network until you have consulted Information Technology Services.
Legal Alternatives
Many legal options are available for obtaining digital content, including licensed streaming services, online music platforms, game stores, software publishers, and educational discounts.
Educause maintains a list of legal sources of online content: Legal Sources of Online Content | EDUCAUSE
Additional information about copyright law is available from:
Thank you for helping maintain a secure, responsible, and legally compliant computing environment at the University of South Dakota.