RIAA launches P2P file sharing legal blitz

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) continued its hard line approach to music sharing across P2P networks with a round of copyright infringement lawsuits targeting 761 alleged illegal file sharers.

As with the organisation's previous legal putsches, the campaign focused on illegal file sharing on college campuses.

Twenty-five of the lawsuits brought by the RIAA on behalf of the major record companies were against individuals using a university internet connection to allegedly distribute music files on unauthorised P2P services, including eDonkey, Limewire and Kazaa.

The university networks include American University, Amherst College, Assumption College, Boston College, Boston University, Bridgewater State College, Emerson College, Iowa State University, James Madison University, Mount Holyoke College, Northeastern University and University of Massachusetts.

RIAA president Cary Sherman said: "During the fall, we have seen a flurry of additional agreements between schools and legal online music providers.

"The lawsuits are an essential educational tool. They remind music fans about the law and provide incentives to university administrators to offer legal alternatives.

"College students are some of most avid music fans. The music habits and customs they develop now are likely to stay with them for life.

"It is especially important for us to educate them about the law, the harm suffered by musicians, labels and retailers when music is stolen, and the great legal ways to enjoy music online."