Aargh!

Digital piracy and copyright enfringment are big concerns for businesses hiring college graduates according to an article found at tmcnet.com. According to a survey conducted by the BSA (Business Software Alliance), "two-thirds of students see nothing unethical about swapping or downloading digital files illegally." The article cautions businesses about new hires recently graduated from universities because it seems apparent that they are unconcerned or unaware of the copyright laws as well as the accountability of the employer when employees abuse those laws. Companies can be fined up to 150,000 dollars for every software program that employees enfringement. BSA even offers businesses audit tools to determine if employees are illegally downloading software programs. They are advocating awareness in students about copyright laws through a program "Define the Line" by collaborating with universities into entreat students to being "good cyber citizens and respect copyrighted works online." The BSA survey did show that students reduced illegal or unauthorized copyrighting when they were informed of the actions being taken against illegal downloaders.
My opinion is that its unfortunate that only learning of the punishments stops students from illegal downloading. Disregarding copyright laws seems to be the norm, not the exception on college campuses. There is also no regard for the company, which is held accountable for its employees' actions. The "Define the Line" does seem like a good program to advocate for incoming graduate employees.

"More Than Half of Students Surveyed Say It's Okay to Share Digital Copyrighted Works on the Job" Aug. 22, 2005
www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/-more-than-half-students-surveyed-say-its-okay-/2005/aug/1174934.htm