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    1. Technology Services
    2. About Us
    3. Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)

    Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)

    Purpose and Background

    • This page is intended to serve the VCU community as a resource to help understand the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and how the University responds to instances on our network.
    • If you have received a DMCA notice and seek more information about the procedure or guidelines that involve DMCA, this site is a comprehensive resource. You can find documentation and links in the ‘DMCA Take-Down Notices from VCU’ section.
    • Copyright issues are a serious offense. If you download a movie, song, computer game or software application in violation of its copyright, you are stealing.

    What is DMCA?

    • The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is a comprehensive federal law enacted in 1998 to combat electronic theft and piracy, established fair use in the digital environment, and established online service provider liabilities. Educause has additional information related to DMCA Documentation or you can visit the US Government’s Copyright office for the summary of DMCA Legislation.
    • Due to DMCA, VCU (the internet service provider) must act expeditiously to disable or remove identified infringed material when sent a formal notice from the copyright holder (or its agent) in order for the University to not be held liable for copyright infringement of that material. VCU may not monitor for these types of violations, but if we are notified, we must comply with DMCA to act swiftly to prevent the unauthorized sharing of copyrighted material on the VCU Network.

    Received a DMCA Take-Down Notices from VCU?

    • Have you received a DMCA Take-Down Notice from VCU? Please refer to the links below for instructions and guidance.
      • If you are a student -> Instructions on how to handle DMCA Notice
      • If you are an employee -> Instructions on how to handle DMCA Notice  
    • If you do not respond to our request with 3 business days, your computer will be disconnected from our network. 
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    • Richmond, VA 23284
    • Phone: (804) 828-2227
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    • Updated: 02/14/2025
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    Virginia Commonwealth University is a nationally renowned public research institution dedicated to the success and well-being of all members of its community. VCU student, faculty and staff groups and associations are open without regard to any characteristic or identity protected by law.