BOSTON -- Hundreds of college students, many at Massachusetts universities, are facing federal lawsuits for illegally distributing music and movies over the Internet.

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Jim Boyd Reports On Lawsuits Resources: Internet2 Recording Industry Association of America Lawsuit

NewsCenter 5's Jim Boyd reported that the recording industry said 405 students at 18 American colleges and universities have been illegally downloading music and movies.

"Last year in the dorms, I downloaded 'Matrix: Reloaded,'" said student Ted Saunders.

With new technology, a movie can be downloaded in a matter of minutes and a song in just seconds.

Some students say no matter how fast it is, it is not worth it.

"I am a resident assistant. I could lose my job, and it is not worth the $12,000 I get in room and board to download free music," said student Marisa Wohl.

On Wednesday, the Recording Industry Association of America will file lawsuits against the 405 students for illegally downloading and sharing movie and music files. Students from four Boston schools are included in the lawsuits: Harvard University, Boston University, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

RIAA said illegal downloading is going on at other campuses across the country, and presidents of those schools are being sent letters informing them of the illegal activities on their campuses.

On average, the students named in the lawsuits downloaded and shared 2,300 files.

The Massachusetts schools said they are cooperating with the industry.

"I got a warning from Boston University and they threatened to discontinue my Internet service," said one student.

Harvard said its policy warns students not to break the law; the students are responsible for any consequences; and breaking the law may result in losing their Internet access.