Battleangel

WIRED: Florida Dorms Lock Out P2P Users

When students first register on the network, they are required to read about peer-to-peer networks and certify that they will not share copyright files. Icarus then scans their computer, detects any worms, viruses or programs that act as a server, such as Kazaa. Students are then given instructions on how to disable offending programs.

If a student is on the network and tries to share files, Icarus automatically sends an e-mail and an immediate pop-up warning and disconnects the student from the network. The first violation disables network access for 30 minutes; the second cuts off access for five days. Third-time offenders are subject to the school’s judicial process, and their network access is cut off indefinitely.

This is like the revenge of the Soup Nazis. And even if it is only one small minded university on the other side of the world it still spells danger for P2P users everywhere. Especially since univ. networks make up a huge chunk of the total bandwidth and user base.
As the article notes, all forms of sharing is disabled. Even game servers. With this kind of attitude these ppl could just as well sell their computers because they just became useless. It’s a wonder no one has tried to fight back or screw the system in the months since it was taken online.

Also, few have probably missed the so called Half Life 2 source leak. Big deal. The biggest problem will probably be exploits as the article points out. It’s unlikely that anyone will be able to do something constructive with the code. Not to mention the fact that it is fact not final code. And no SDK or stuff like that.
The silliness goes on however. Just this afternoon I heard that several outlets, including DC’s Ancient hub, were banning users for sharing the code. LOL. Why on earth would they do that? They will surely have a download festival once the final game is released. So give it a rest and stop acting like you’re such goody twoshoes. It’s not the first time this kind of thing happens either (#311).

Bottom line. Don’t meddle with things you don’t understand. We already have a judicial system. We don’t need part-time policemen looking over our shoulder and making up for their own insignificance by harassing others. Soup nazis.