P2P Users-Be warned

Rhodes University has issued a stench warning to all those using the P2P (peer to peer) applications on its network to remove it. Failure to do so will result in one’s machine being removed from the network, followed by a disciplinary action. Furthermore, legal action may be taken against any individual (found guilty of being in possession of illegal material) by the copyright holder, warns the University. http://www.ru.ac.za/intranet/policies/p2p-letter.html
The university argues that P2P applications allowed users to participate in a file sharing “community” worldwide. Users are allowed to search the network for files of interest and transfer them to their own computers. This is done without acquiring copyright or license, thereby violating the Copyright Act no 98 of 1978. Such a user also violates the University's Acceptable Use Policy, claims the university. The university advises users who chose not to remove P2P applications to IMMEDIATELY ensure that their computers are not used as providers of unlicensed materials as it will not protect them. Instructions for the settings are available at:
http://security.uchicago.edu/peer-to-peer/no_fileshare.shtml
http://forums.ru.ac.za/index.php?showtopic=8130

Other Links:
What is P2P… And What Isn’t? - http://www.openp2p.com/pub/a/p2p/2000/11/24/shirky1-whatisp2p.html
P2P technology - http://www.p2p- technology.com
P2P Networks Evolve - http://www.technewsworld.com/story/32673.html
E-mail turns to P2P technology - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3694974.stm