Ohio University announces changes in file-sharing policies

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: dewayne () warpspeed com (Dewayne Hendricks)
Date: April 26, 2007 2:27:01 AM EDT
To: Dewayne-Net Technology List <xyzzy () warpspeed com>
Subject: [Dewayne-Net] Ohio University announces changes in file- 
sharing policies

Ohio University announces changes in file-sharing policies
April 25, 2007
<http://www.ohio.edu/students/filesharing.cfm>

Ohio University announces changes in file-sharing policies ATHENS,  
Ohio (April 25, 2007) – In an effort to ensure that every student,  
faculty member and researcher has access to the computer resources  
they need, Ohio University announced today it will restrict the use  
of all peer-to-peer, or P2P, file-sharing on the campus computer  
network.

“The network is a shared resource, and we must ensure that it is  
available to all users,” said Chief Information Officer Brice Bible.  
“Peer-to-peer file-sharing consumes a disproportionate amount of  
resources, both in bandwidth and human technical support.”

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday, April 27, the university will begin  
monitoring its network for P2P file sharing activity and disabling  
Internet access for computers found in violation of the new policy.  
Once disabled, a computer’s Internet access will remain off until its  
user contacts the IT Service Desk (740-593-1222) and agrees to abide  
by the university’s computer and network use policy. A second  
violation will result in Internet access being disabled again and a  
referral to University Judiciaries if a student is in violation or to  
the appropriate administrator if an employee is involved.

Although P2P file-sharing can sometimes be used for legitimate  
reasons, any use of P2P software on the campus network may result in  
Internet access being disabled under this new policy. Individuals who  
need to use P2P software for legitimate purposes can discuss their  
needs with the IT Service Desk.

In addition to consuming bandwidth and technological resources, P2P  
file-sharing also exposes the university network to viruses, spyware  
and other attacks. It also is frequently used for illegally  
distributing copyrighted works.

Today’s announcement follows the recent crackdown by the Recording  
Industry Association of America on illegal music downloading. The  
RIAA sent more than 1,200 prelitigation letters to colleges and  
universities, including 100 to Ohio University. It also initiated  
“John Doe” lawsuits against users of computers on Ohio University’s  
network. The university estimates staff members have spent nearly 120  
hours dealing with the prelitigation letters from the RIAA.

[snip]

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