By Katherine Yaremko

An organization particularly driven toward prosecuting university students who obtain copyrighted music illegally as the techonolgical advances of the age allow, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), is taking new steps in its quest to prevent illegal downloads.

The RIAA has begun sending pre-litigation papers to universities after tracking an illegal downloader’s IP address. At the time of sneding the papers, the RIAA has no knowledge of the individual’s identity. Universities are then sent the IP addresses and inquiries about the identites of the user of the IP addresses. Universities are requested to transmit settlement proposals to students. The offers allow students to settle litigation outside of court.

The RIAA was unavailable for comment on University students, however, universities such as the University of Pennsylvania and Ohio State have received multiple pre-litigation notices. Last week, a total of 411 letters were transmitted to 19 various U.S. campuses, of which the University was not one. Last month, a string of 403 pre-litigation letters were mailed nationwide.

University support of the association’s target against students is mixed. Some schools assist by disseminating letters, while others have refused to comply and aid the RIAA in its endeavors.

According to its website, last month the RIAA decided to institute a massive advertising operation across the country in order to promote legal downloading and educate about copyright infringement. The advertisements are to be designed by university students as part of their newspaper format.

“Rather than attempting to persecute every college student who illegally downloads a song, the Recording Industry Association of America should focus its resources on developing ways to adapt to the growing internet presence while trying to simply discourage people from illegal downloading,” said a junior music merchandising major who wished to remain anonymous.

“The average college student’s budget does not allow for him or her to go to a music store every week to buy a new release,” said the student. “Ostensibly, the only alternative left is downloading music illegally.”

Protestors against music piracy, regulated by the RIAA, which is targeting students. (www.mccullagh.org)