Screaming Penguin - Source Does Matter

UF is using a software program called ICARUS on the internal network to \"Detect\" when a user downloads an illegal song or video. Integrated Control Application for Restricting User Services (ICARUS) checks for peer to peer services and then if it detects activity on something that might be copyrighted it cuts off the Internet connection of that user, makes them watch an anti piracy video and if further offenses occur more lengthy service disruptions and or fines are possible.

On this one I dont really fault UF. That sounds strange to say but after reading that the school was getting 40 notices a month from the RIAA and that this issue was clogging their legal department I can understand why they took action. At the same time I think its entirely stupid of the RIAA to again alienate potential customers in this manner, this just isnt a battle they are ever going to win.

On the UF issue the university is allowed to do whatever they want on the internal network. Privacy advocates and such will cry foul but its NOT A PUBLIC NETWORK, its the schools connection. Dont want ICARUS get your own connection, simple.

On the RIAA issue they need to get a clue and MAKE MUSIC REASONABLE PRICED AND READILY AVAILABLE VIA A MEDIUM THAT PEOPLE ARE DEMANDING. 99 cents a song on iTunes aint bad but honestly thats still a bit expensive IMHO. And how come it took Apple to create such a successful service, the RIAA could have done so right? Instead the RIAA wants to play gestapo with their customers, dumb.

For more on ICARUS see the linked article. And note thanks to slashdot for the lead, and they did post an article about this system some time back, its just now hitting the mainstream media.   Universitys software kicks off downloaders: HC