Porn blocker at ASU working Since installation, library reports no downloads
Sarah Muench The Arizona Republic Apr. 27, 2006 12:00 AM
A computer program that blocks pornographic Web sites from Arizona State University's library computers has proved successful so far, authorities said.
It's been more than a year since two people were caught downloading child pornography at ASU. Since library officials installed a computer program blocking the material last fall, no further incidents have been reported, according to the ASU Department of Public Safety.
The blocking program is installed on 30 library computers on the Tempe campus that do not require the library patron to be affiliated with ASU, said John Howard, associate dean of libraries.
The rest of the computers are not equipped with the program because they require the user to log on with an ASU identification. That allows officials to track what the user is viewing and if it was inappropriate or illegal.
Viewing child pornography is a crime, DPS Sgt. Jim Hardina said. Viewing adult pornography on ASU library computers is not but could result in a violation of university policy if it is determined the viewer is not using it for a legitimate research purpose, Hardina said.
"(There is an) occasional legitimate reason why they would have to look at those kinds of sites," he said, adding that it could pertain to a class or research.
Howard said they use a program that blocks known pornographic sites, and the list is updated daily.
The program also is installed on Polytechnic and West campuses, he said.
"If anything, it's helped in implementing this solution. We've had no incidents of that kind," Howard said. "I think that the huge majority of users come in here for credible reasons wanting to learn or do some type of research. This is targeted solely on people who want to come and do something other than research."
Jodie Apostle, 24, a biochemistry and kinesiology senior at ASU, said she uses the library computers about once a week.
Apostle said she doesn't want to be working next to someone looking up child porn, "nor do I want to walk by someone and see it on the screen."