The University is cracking down on the anonymous posting of obscene messages to local and worldwide Internet newsgroups. Data Communications and Computing Services has recently disabled the "Newswatcher" and "Trumpet" newsgroup programs in residential labs. These programs allow users to post messages without logging on to the University's servers, according to Christopher Dennis, director of Academic Programs in Residence. However, students will still be able to access newsgroups through their e-mail accounts, he added. Dennis said DCCS implemented the new policy to curb the recent rash of forged postings on newsgroups being sent from ResLab sites. "Many students disliked how people forged their names on nasty messages that were often about other people," he said, adding that the new policy will make it easier for others to trace a message to the original sender. Dennis admitted, though, that he felt "great reluctance" in ordering that the posting capabilities in residential labs be disabled. "Posting through ResLab sites provided students who did not have e-mail accounts or those who were new learners [to the Internet] an easy way to use newsgroups," he explained. "The present system might be a little bit less user-friendly." Dan Updegrove, executive director of DCCS, said his department is attempting to take additional steps against forged messages by posting notices that state such misconduct is against university policies. "We are taking forgery very seriously," Dennis said. DCCS is also conducting investigations into the small groups of people who are forging postings. However, Updegrove said he could not disclose any details about the investigations. Updegrove said the new policy has already been effective in cutting down on the number of forged newsgroup postings -- although some forged messages still get through. Engineering junior Marsha Chan Wai Hong, head computer consultant for Van Pelt College House, agreed that the number of forged messages has decreased. "Before, people were being cowardly when they sent anonymous posts," she said. "Now people will think twice about sending nasty messages because they can be traced back to them." Dennis suggested that "Trumpet" and "Newswatcher," although useful programs, may have outlived their practicality for the University. "These programs were good when a large number of people did not have e-mail accounts," he said. "But recent surveys done by Residential Living show that most people have e-mail accounts so the need for these programs is not so great." College freshman Joseph Cox said he is skeptical that DCCS will be able to completely eliminate the obscene and forged posting problem. "There are other ways to forge messages on newsgroups like making up sites of where you are sending your message from," he said. Cox added that he still thinks disabling "Newswatcher" and "Trumpet" might decrease the number of forged messages. "Students are usually not very original when they forge messages," he said. "Most people will not think of new ways of forging when these programs are gone."
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
