Appropriate Use of Software / Illegal Uploading and Downloading

• Appropriate Use of Software
• Illegal Uploading and Downloading

Appropriate Use of Software

software is protected by copyright laws, and there are rules that must be observed. Make sure you fully understand the license agreement for each piece of software you use, and be careful not to use it illegally.

Examples of prohibited actions

• Knowingly downloading illegally copied software via the Internet using file sharing software or other means
• Installing software purchased and used by a friend on your computer without checking the license agreement
• Installing software on more computers than permitted by the license agreement, allowing its use by unauthorized persons, or using it for unauthorized purposes
• Knowingly installing pirated software that has been illegally copied

Unauthorized use of software is a clear violation of law

Copyright infringement can incur a very serious penalty of up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of not more than 10 million yen. It will also cause immeasurable damage to both your reputation and that of Keio University. Please familiarize yourself with software licenses and be careful that you do not engage in or become involved in unauthorized use of software. Doing so may lead to a major problem for which ignorance is no excuse.

※Besides the legal risks involved, obtaining software by inappropriate means can also lead to virus infection, software malfunctions, and other problems. Exercise appropriate caution.

Reference websites

• The Association of Copyright for Computer Software (ACCS):https://www2.accsjp.or.jp/en/
• The Software Alliance (BSA):https://www.bsa.org/

Illegal Uploading and Downloading

Beware of uploading and downloading music, movies, electronic books and other such contents!!

Uploading music, movies, electronic books and other copyrighted contents (to the extent of them being available for distribution on the Internet) without the express permission of the copyright holder is a serious crime. (Punishable by up to ten years in prison or a fine of up to ten-million yen, or both)

It is also illegal to download comic books, books, movies, music and other copyrighted contents while knowing that they are pirated versions posted illegally onto the Internet, even if they are for personal enjoyment, There are cases in which this will be construed as a criminal offense. (Punishable by up to two years in prison or a fine of up to two-million yen, or both)

The types of copyrighted materials for which the downloading of pirated versions is prohibited has been expanded from music and movies to cover all copyrighted contents.
Examples of Copyrighted Materials: Comic books, novels, dissertations, photographs, newspapers, illustrations, computer software, etc

What about using file-sharing software for research and educational purposes?

Keio University accepts applications to use file sharing software (e.g., BitTorrent, BitComet, Xunlei, Perfect Dark) only for educational and research purposes. Please note that it is prohibited to use file sharing software without applying in advance.
Please refer to the following page for more details relating to relevant software and application.

※Use of file sharing software

Reference websites

• Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers (JASRAC):https://www.jasrac.or.jp/ejhp/
• the Federation of Music Producers Japan (FMPJ):http://www.fmp.or.jp/eng/
• Japan Video Software Association (JVA):https://www.jva-net.or.jp/en/
• Japan and International Motion Picture Copyright Association, Inc. (JIMCA):https://www.jimca.co.jp/en/
• Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ):https://www.riaj.or.jp/e/
• Agency for Cultural Affairs (ACA):https://www.bunka.go.jp/english/