A Sheffield Hallam University student faces extradition to the USA on charges related to providing links copyright infringing material. He is accused of providing links to film clips via his website. If convicted, he could face up to five years' imprisonment in the USA. His lawyer is fighting extradition on human rights grounds, and has also pointed out that his client’s server was not based in the USA. The accused has been released on bail pending a further hearing in September. This case highlights the risks in providing links to copyright infringing material, and although this case may hinge on the United States' law rather than our own, there will nonetheless be risk particularly where links are systematically provided, and where their provision has a commercial aspect, such as revenue earning through advertising, though it is not clear if that was so in this case. Further details are available from the Sheffield Star. JISC Legal provides resources on copyright to aid colleges and universities in raising student and staff awareness of copyright law.
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