Quarantine approach still allows computers access to
network
The editorial “Copyright punishments too harsh by
comparison” (May 12), ended by stating, “Students can
only hope UCLA makes every effort to maintain their privacy while
complying with copyright laws.” In fact, that is exactly the
point behind the design of the quarantine approach, used in
on-campus housing when UCLA receives notices of copyright
infringement ““ complying with the law while ensuring a
balance between due process and privacy.
The quarantine approach automatically puts an identified
computer in “quarantine” on the network when UCLA
receives a notice of copyright infringement. While in quarantine,
access to the Internet is blocked, but access to UCLA services such
as the library, MyUCLA and class Web sites, for example, are still
available so that students may continue to do most of their
educational work while the incident is adjudicated. The alternative
to quarantine (used at most other institutions) would be to simply
block all network access during this period.
The requirement for blocking access (or being put in quarantine)
is not a sanction; it is a mechanical response required by law for
Internet service providers to protect themselves from liability.
Only the dean of students can impose sanctions, which are judged
using a variety of factors. The intent of the letter was certainly
not to threaten, but to warn students that legislation is becoming
tougher every day, and the risks higher.
To be clear, blocking access to the network does not mean
blocking access to peer-to-peer software. UCLA does not prohibit
the use of such peer-to-peer tools. More information about the
quarantine approach can be found by clicking on the
“policies” link online at Resnet.ucla.edu.
Robert J. Naples, assistant vice chancellor and dean of
students Jim Davis, associate vice chancellor, information
technology
Sex column should represent issues relevant to
UCLA
Rape. Hate crimes. The sexual double standard. Girls who wear
shirts that say, “I am a whore.” A commercial for
Carl’s Jr. selling nothing more than Paris Hilton humping a
car. The proliferation of dating Web sites like Match.com and Bruin
Singles, all promising the same thing. Men who think “nice
tits” is the new “I love you.” The world that we
venture into when simply asking someone on a date is dangerous,
desperate and sweltering with issues.
Naturally, I expect the Daily Bruin’s sex columnist, Lara
Loewenstein, to address some of these issues. Instead I find a
column on “Spice up your day with sex on campus” (May
23), which is similar to some of her other socially irrelevant,
factually barren columns. I’m just as interested in thinking
about a rendezvous on a Monday morning as the next gal, but what is
her point?
“Sex and the City” was popular because each episode
ended with a message on human sexuality. The only message this last
Loewenstein column sends is that the reader should have more sex.
Over 35,000 students attend UCLA; among them there are varied
sexual opinions, trends and issues. The sex column should represent
the sexual politics of UCLA students. I challenge Loewenstein to
venture out into the UCLA community and start asking questions. She
should take a closer look at sex; I don’t need someone else
telling me I should be having more.
Diana Peterson Third-year, film and
television