Abstract

This thesis explores the Federal Government's role and prospects for combating illegal file-sharing by examining the problem from a classic three prong approach: technology development, enforcement, and ethics reform through education. Original survey data was used to assess the current state of the problem, and the analytic hierarchy process was used to examine the current state of technology development. The thesis concludes with policy recommendations for government action. The author found that enforcement is the most effective method of lowering the music, movie, and software file-sharing rates.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Copyright infringement--Prevention--Government policy--United States; Universities and colleges--Computer networks--Security measures; Internet--Social aspects--United States; Downloading of data--United States--Statistics; Copyright infringement--United States--Statistics; Intellectual property--United States

Publication Date

10-2005

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Advisor

Samuel McQuade

Advisor/Committee Member

James Winebrake

Advisor/Committee Member

Joseph Hennekey

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at KF3080 .L46 2005

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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