A computer in the University Union was shut down last week after anInternet watchdog group alleged that it was providing access tocopyrighted sound files.

University Computing and Communications Services Director David Hillsaid the University was contacted by NetPD Oct. 31, claiming that acomputer in the board room of the Associated Students, Inc. office onthe third floor of the University Union was provided illegal access, viaa file sharing program, to the Incubus song “Nice to Know You,” which iscopyrighted by the Sony Entertainment Group.

Hill said network connectivity to the computer was temporarily disabledwhile ASI investigated the validity of the claim.

“(ASI) investigated the incident, removed files and software they deemedinappropriate, and assured us that the computer would not be used toshare files,” Hill said.

After the investigation was completed, Hill said, the computer wasre-linked to the network.

ASI Press Secretary Janus Norman said the incident forced ASI tore-evaluate its the way its computers are used.

“The computers are currently not password protected, but because of thisincident, we?re re-evaluating how we do business,” Norman said.

One of the problems is that a large number of students have access tothe computers, not just ASI members, Norman said.

“Students come in here for a variety of reasons and we haven’t closelymonitored (them),” Norman said.

According to Hill, incidents of this type have occurred before on campus.