OUR VIEW: Students should be smart using Peer-to-Peer

The Internet is something that has revolutionized the world and allowed for many new developments and advancements in technology. But, with any advancement there are risks and negatives that become attached to the progress.

Utah State University and many other university’s around the country are starting to actively enforce Peer-to-Peer file sharing bans. USU has warned students about using the file sharing services and have enacted policies to stop the process from happening.

Every computer used on the USU network now has to be registered with its own IP address assigned to the computer. Every time a student uses an open access lab they have to log into the system so their activity can be tracked. These advancements are allowing for the university to keep in the clear.

These proctocols being placed into affect are great and it is about time they are put in action. But, we, as students, shouldn’t have to worry about this. We are in college and should use our brains we are here supposedly trying to develop. Offenders of this policy help themselves and stop downloading things that could get them and the university in trouble.

If students do want to download, please do it off campus. Using Peer-to-Peer systems can be a useful tool for students, but not if it will violate university policy and national laws.

This issue is one that will further develop over the years with progression of technology, but if we as a student population try to help put a stop to it now, we will help keep ourselves and the university out of legal problems.