Duke University - A BitTorrent Friendly Campus?

Posted by Bill Frost

Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina, has long been regarded as one of the premier institutes of higher learning. Located in the "Research Triangle" area of Raleigh-Durham, Duke University and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill can be considered, if not the South's then at least, the state of North Carolina's version of "Ivy League" universities. History and tradition would lead one to believe that a college, such as Duke, would not buck the system or go against the norm; however, they have just done that.

Duke University's Office of Student Affairs has announced that they will require the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and other holding groups of copyrighted material to submit evidence before they will investigate or prosecute alleged violations of the anti-copyright laws. Whereas many universities may have written policies for students regarding this sort of activity or notices are sent directly to students "no questions asked" if they are accused, Duke has decided to put their student's first.

This "behavior" by the university should be both applaued and adopted by other schools. This is not necessarily condoning the action; however, it does give the students a feeling that they are supported by their institution.