Over The Edge Page 2 ; NEWS January 24, 2000 Computer pornography increasing at U of Manitoba By Kathy Ramsey WINNIPEG (CUP) - The University of Manitoba (U of M) is facing an increasing number of complaints about peo- ple viewing pornogra- phy on campus comput- ers, says the recent annual report by the of the University’s email system, such as the sending of sexually harassing messages, also increased. “We certainly have had more people phone with con- cerns about [these issues] this academic year than before,” said Maggie Duncan, Equity the use of computers is on the increase.” In accordance with the University’s Sexual Harassment Policy, a complaint may be made by anyone who believes they have been sexually harassed by any mem- ber of the U of M in the course of University, or displaying of porno- graphic material within the University, says Duncan. “As far as sex- ual harassment is con- cerned, our policy does cover the displaying of pornography or other sexually offensive or derogatory pictures or material. That doesn’t somebody’s desk, it also means on _ that computer screen because it’s being dis- played there,” she said. Policy on the use of computer facilities also prohibits the sending of harassing or obscene messages via email. The policy warns that Services advisor. “It’s on the increase because University’s Equity Services Office. Abuse University-related, activ- ities. This includes the just mean on some- body’s locker or at email abuse may result in the immediate sus- Stren eth en y our Graduating Soon? career options at the Marine Institute* Master of Marine Studies Degree Program Provides exposure to all dimensions of modern fisheries resource management. Skills developed in the management of natural resources will complement the knowledge of i specialists in the natural or social sciences. 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Ca “Students entering the programs must have an appropriate diploma of technology, degree or an acceptable i a : combination of work experience and formal education. 2 Memorial Gere University af Newfoundiand pension of an account for investigation and may lead to disciplinary or legal action by the University. Last year a student was expelled after sending two sexu- ally derogatory emails. Investigating com- plaints and finding the perpetrator, however, is not always easy. Many of the complaints the Equity Services Office receives are of an infor- mal nature, meaning they are not formally investigated. “The peo- ple [who send harassing emails] are clever enough not to be able to be identified for the most part,” said Jannine LeMere, an investiga- tion officer. “For the most part people send it through some other kind of address, so the prob- lem is really in detecting who sent it.” If the University cannot find out who sent an email then they are unable to do an investi- gation. Corry MacDonald, a Technological Crime Unit investigator with the RCMP, says the Internet does pose unique challenges in fighting crime. “[Internet crime] is definitely on the rise” he said. “To a certain extent the laws aren't keeping up with the technology that’s coming at us, so we make do with existing legislation to deal with these issues.” The Equity Services Office, which handles complaints of human rights violations and sexual harassment, has been working’ with Computer Services to raise awareness about appropriate computer usage. Sections of the University’s policies have been posted in computer labs on cam- pus where many of the complaints originated.