The Federation Against Software Theft (Fast) is targeting primary and secondary schools for the first time with a campaign to promote the legal use of software.
The initiative aims to promote awareness of the legal ramifications of software misuse as well as taking enforcement action against infringements.
‘With the rapid growth in the uptake of the internet, software environments are at a huge risk from the availability of illegal downloads,' said John Lovelock, director general of Fast.
'If organisations in the education sector are building new systems on the back of ones using illegal software, they really are putting their schools at risk. Complacency has to stop, software theft is not a victimless crime and we will take action against infringers.
'We need to get to the seven to 14-year-olds and educate them about the importance of the creative industries in the UK. What would be the point of studying to contribute creatively if your intellectual copyright is then stolen,' he said.
Lovelock says the government has given Fast the tools to support its campaign with the Copyright, etc. and Trade Marks (Offences and Enforcement) Act 2002 which increased penalties for certain copyright offences from two years to 10 years and strengthened search warrant provisions.
He points out that schools are no different to businesses and universities with regard to software misuse.
‘We’re putting schools on notice that they’re in the same position as businesses who are liable for what staff do on equipment during a working day,’ said Lovelock.
He warned: ‘The message is clear - if head teachers, school governors and even LEA’s allow the use of illegal software then it may be fast track to a criminal record.’
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