Recent surveillance of the University’s computing system has left a number of students without Internet access and looking for answers on what to do next.
An investigation in October on copyright infringement, conducted by the University’s Network Services, resulted in 136 students losing Internet privileges — at least temporarily — in a period of just one week. From that point on, many students have been left to wonder if they too are in danger of losing their Net access after sharing too many copyrighted files.
“We have the Internet on campus first for our education, and then for downloading other information as a bonus,” said freshman David Metzger. “They’re just regulating it so that we can have a faster connection that isn’t slowed down by all the downloading.”
The University’s “Acceptable Use Policy” states, “Illegally copied software subjects the University to risk of litigation, and denies software authors the compensation they deserve.”
Simply put: The University will take the blame.
The stakes are being raised for students continuing to violate the policy. A Jan. 9 e-mail from Information Services told students that they would be bumped to a slower connection if were using caught using file-sharing programs.
This would also allow all other information to travel on the faster connection.
University Housing is offering tips on how to disable file-sharing programs and giving students forms for getting their Internet reconnected, should they be kicked off the server.
“If you must share, pull any copyrighted material out,” advised Housing’s ResNet Connections Technician Doug Mason. “If it’s not yours and not public domain, don’t share it!”
Resident Assistant Kristen Miller had her port shut off for violating the copyright restriction in the University housing contract. She knew about the contract’s rules and received a warning to disable her file-sharing program — but the warning came only after her service had been turned off. Miller suggested the warning be sent at the beginning of the school year when people are getting their Internet connection.
She also advised residents to not let anyone download from them, and distributed fliers on what can be done to comply with policy.
“I’m doing whatever I can to get the word out to people in my hall to be careful using the Internet, and to avoid sharing files whenever possible,” Miller said. She added that she hopes others in her hall will follow this example and cut down on the downloading.