August 18, 2007

The Recording Industry Association of America is threatening to sue seven computer users at the University of Virginia for illegally sharing songs online.

The music industry trade group has sent a letter to UVA officials notifying them of the violations. The group wants the school to notify the students, faculty or staff.

The letter gives users 20 days to contact the association or face a federal lawsuit that could result in a minimum of $750 in damages for each copyrighted recording shared online.

UVA is among 58 colleges and universities across the country that were sent warning letters this week. Another Virginia school, VMI, also got letters.

RIAA counsel Steven Marks says students have too many legal downloading options to steal music.

Virginia spokeswoman Carol Wood says the school is looking into the matter.

Because the RIAA tracked down the alleged copyright offenders by their computer's online identifier, it's up to university officials to identify the violators and forward them the lawsuit notice.