Universities Crack Down on Downloaders

An article in today's Seattle Times states that the RIAA is sending out letters to universities in order to stop illegal music downloading. UW students are next on the block.

"The letters, to be routed through the university administration, notify students that they can pay a settlement amount of at least $3,000 before RIAA sues them, UW officials said," according to the article.

Some universities actually tackle this issue head on, such as the University of Idaho, where I happen to be a student. Through the Student Union, every student has access to a download service called Ruckus. The subscription costs are paid for with a very small percentage of student fees. It may not completely deter students from illegally downloading music, but at least the school is offering an option.