Workers' downloading puts employers at risk

["Hamaker, Chuck" <cahamake@email.uncc.edu>]

http://careers.usatoday.com/service/usa/national/content/news/onthejob/2002-
07-30-downloads

Workers' downloading puts employers at risk
By Stephanie Armour, USA TODAY

Workers using company computers to download music and movies are exposing
employers to lawsuits and computer viruses.

Worried employers are disciplining workers and barring them from
downloading copyrighted entertainment. Experts say bootlegged music and
movies also are a drain on corporate tech resources. ... Tempe,
Ariz.-based technology and business consulting firm Integrated Information
Systems paid $1 million to settle a lawsuit with the Recording Industry
Association of America over downloaded music files. The association said
the company allowed workers to access and share thousands of copyrighted
MP3 music files over its network ... Lawyers say companies that don't take
action could find themselves facing more lawsuits from groups such as the
RIAA.  Louisville-based Thornton Oil blocks sites where music and movies
can be downloaded. "If the radio and music industry can prove a Thornton
employee is downloading material, that's a risk," spokesman Matthew Embury
says.

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