Downloading & Dirty

WinMx still allows individuals to download music files freely and easily. Photo by Tony Solano

Downloading music is an issue that is especially pertinent for students on college campuses. The University of Iowa has not been immune.

His computer screen glows behind him, littered with icons of file sharing programs. "Tom," a freshman living in the dorms, leans back in his desk chair and talks with confidence about the regularity with which he illegally downloads music.

He is also confident that a majority of his fellow students download illegally. However, it is nearly impossible to put a number or even a face on illegal downloaders at the UI.

The culture of downloading has changed since the 2001 Napster ruling. Government agencies, recording companies, and universities have gradually become more involved, enforcing consequences for the illegal sharing of copyrighted materials. Tom is aware of the possible ramifications, but like many other students and individuals who download illegally, he doesn't lose any sleep over it.

By: Tony Solano
aanthony-solano@uiowa.edu