UBC Wireless Use Policy Agreement Read & Response:
The UBC Wireless Use Policy Agreement was mentioned in class and it got me thinking, what exactly am I typing my life away for? I have always been taught to read the fine print before signing any legal document, so why was the wireless AUP so unimportant to me? This got me thinking, what exactly have I said yes to… so there fore when it asked me to sign in after school in my dorm, I actually copy and pasted the AUP before signing in and here is what I found…
Overall the AUP explained to me that I was in general not to do anything harmful to others; such as “using the Service to transmit, post, upload, or otherwise making available defamatory, harassing, abusive, or threatening material or language that encourages bodily harm, destruction of property or harasses another. Distribution of Internet viruses, Trojan horses, or other destructive activities.”
I should also NOT do anything illegal. There were several explicit items covered “including, but not limited to, advertising, transmitting, or otherwise making available ponzi schemes, pyramid schemes, fraudulently charging credit cards, pirating software, or making fraudulent offers to sell or buy products, items, or services.”
Then it went on to say that UBC will NOT guarantee my computers safety as I might be subjected “but not limited to: virus infections, malware installation and attacks by 3rd third parties.” In addition UBC will NOT guarantee my security from “any unauthorized third parties from accessing my computer or files or otherwise monitor my connection.”
Not to mention the fact that while using the UBC wireless; UBC will NOT be held accountable: “for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service.”
Then UBC continues to state that if I do anything wrong then my access to the wireless “may be blocked, suspended, or terminated at any time for any reason including, but not limited to, violation of these Terms of Use, actions that may lead to liability for UBC, disruption of access to other Users or networks, and violation of applicable laws or regulations.”
I must also read this every time I sign in, and agree to these terms, otherwise I will not be granted Internet access.
Overall I did not find this as surprising or shocking as I was hoping for. The AUP was direct (a few run-on sentences mind you), and explicit in their requirements or demands. I was disappointed that UBC would not cover any loss of data, but how could one prove that anyway? I was also a little surprised about the lack of privacy and spyware vulnerability that I am now possibly at risk for. I am not too sure if I should be concerned or feel sorry for whoever wants to hack into my Macs’ camera. I really don’t think anyone would be interested in little old me, but you never know…
In conclusion this was just as I expected it to be, an exhausted list of things the university will not be held accountable for. After already having earned two degrees from this money sucking institution, this AUP does not surprise me at all. I am only surprised that the wireless connection is free!