Recording industry targets North Carolina universities for illegal downloads

DURHAM (AP) — Federal lawsuits allege that 28 Duke University computer users illegally downloaded music on the school's computer system.

The lawsuits were filed by the Recording Industry Association of America on behalf of major record companies.

Duke spokesman Larry Moneta says the university isn't involved in the lawsuits. He says school officials received 35 notices and sent those to students, so some apparently settled with the industry.

Settlement amounts can vary based on the frequency of violations but generally are about three-thousand dollars.

The recording industry has increased its anti-piracy efforts in recent months.

The association in April sued 23 computer users at North Carolina State University out of 37 who were offered settlements in February.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)