Computers with suspect illegal files face quarantine
BY LETISIA MÁRQUEZ
UCLA Today
UCLA has implemented a “quarantine” approach in the
residence halls, making campus policies explicit when responding
to notices of claims of online copyright infringement.
“UCLA developed the approach with a particular focus on
preserving due process for the individual while fully complying
with the letter and spirit of the copyright laws,” said Jim
Davis, associate vice chancellor of information technology.
When UCLA is notified that copyrighted files from an IP address
in the residence halls have been allegedly made available without
appropriate permission, the computer identified with the IP address
is put into quarantine. The quarantine stops network access to other
residential hall network sites and off-campus locations.
Access to campus sites remains available so that education-related
work can continue. An e-mail is sent to the computer’s owner,
giving details of the claim and indicating that network access is
being restricted. If this is a first notice and there is acknowledgment
within one business day that the questionable material has been
removed, full network services are restored. If, however, the same
student has had a previous claim, he or she will be contacted by
the dean of students. The computer will then remain in quarantine,
allowing academic work to continue while the disciplinary process,
which may result in sanctions, proceeds.
With this approach, UCLA has taken a strong and balanced position
on due process, administrators said. While imposing network restrictions
to block access to the alleged infringing materials to comply with
the law, the new approach doesn’t hinder academic and education-related
work as the student disciplinary process proceeds.
The Office of Residential Life, Housing & Hospitality Services,
Campus Counsel, Communication Technology Services and the Office
of Information Technology worked closely together to develop the
approach, which impacts approximately 7,500 students and some faculty
and staff in the residence halls, according to Janina Montero, vice
chancellor of student affairs.
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