Why Can Cal Poly Block Spam?
Users often ask why the University doesn’t intervene and block spam when it is being sent to multiple Cal Poly users. People who send spam usually get around blocking attempts by frequently changing their sending addresses or subject headings, so blocking a single address or heading is virtually meaningless. Blocking the originating site will block valid email as well as spam. There is also the issue of freedom of speech. What constitutes junk mail to some may be useful to others. Blocking spam could constitute a violation of a student’s First Amendment rights. However, the University will take action if a particular message or sender threatens the reliability and integrity of campus resources and can be pinpointed and stopped. Finally, Cal Poly is exploring tools to help users deal with spam.
