HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2006-07-04 Internet Use Policy.pdfINTERNET USE POLICY
RESOLUTION NO. 2006-0IT U%
WHEREAS, the Internet is an important means of communication and research
for the City of Anna; and
WHEREAS, there is the potential the Internet and email to be used to harass
individuals or obstruct City operations; and
WHEREAS, there is the potential that the conduct of City officials and employees
while using internet and email can damage City computers or
hinder their operation; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wants officials and employees to have access to the
internet and email in order to conduct legitimate City business; and
WHEREAS, it is inappropriate for City officials and employees to conduct
personal affairs on City -funded internet and email accounts
while on duty at the expense of City efficiency and effectiveness; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has a legitimate interest in preserving the City's
public image and ensuring that City equipment, funds and services
are not used for illicit internet purposes; and
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Anna,
Texas, that:
A. CONDITIONS
(1) Use of City computers to access the Internet or electronic mail (i.e.,
"email") is a privilege not a right.
(2) Employees whose jobs require them to conduct research or communicate on-
line maybe granted authorization to access the Internet or email at the City
Manager's discretion.
The City provides computers and Internet /email access as deemed necessary
by the City Manager.
(1) City computers are to be used primarily for conducting City business. City
Computers are not to be used for conducting Personal business.
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(2) Incidental and infrequent personal use of City computers and City internet /
email access is allowable provided that it does not hinder or interfere with
conducing City business. Limited personal use of City internet or email
accounts is best conducted outside normal work hours or while on break.
C. PRIVACY
(1) City officers and employees have no reasonable expectation of privacy on City
computers, internet or email.
(2) The City has the right to view and inspect all City computers, including
information accessed, downloaded, viewed, sent or received over the internet or by
email.
(3) Much of the information generated by or stored on City computers or
obtained through City internet or email access is public information that is subject
to mandatory disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act, or other law.
(4) Use of City computers and internet or email accounts constitutes consent by
the City officer or employee for City inspection of those computers and
internet or email accounts, and data transmitted thereon.
(1) No officer or employee may download any software or program onto City
computers without the express written authorization of the City Manager or
Assistant City Manager.
(2) No officer or employee may use City computers or City -funded internet /
email accounts in a manner that neglects the officer or employee's assigned
duties or interferes in City operations.
(3) No officer or employee may use City computers or City -funded internet /
email accounts to participate in on-line chat rooms, unless those chat rooms
are sponsored by legitimate professional organizations relevant to municipal
government, and such participation is approved in advance by the City Manager or
Assistant City Manager.
(4) No officer or employee may use City computers or City -funded internet /
email accounts to invite an employee on a date or make sexual propositions of
employees.
(5) No officer or employee may use City computers or City -funded internet /
email accounts to harass or otherwise interfere with a City employee. This
prohibition includes but is not limited to harassment stemming from an
employee's race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender, age, or marital status.
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(6) No officer or employee may use City computers or City -funded internet /
email accounts to send or distribute off-color jokes, articles or stories that are lewd
and a reasonable person would find them to be offensive.
(7) No officer or employee may use City computers or City -funded internet /
email accounts to send or distribute worms or viruses. Officers and
employees who have received a worm or virus must immediately notify the City
Manager or Assistant City Manager.
(8) No officer or employee may use City computers or City -funded internet /
email accounts to send threatening messages to any other person or institution.
(9) No officer or employee may use City computers or City -funded internet /
email accounts to view, download, or distribute pornographic material,
including obscene images or text.
(10) No officer or employee may use City computers or City -funded internet /
email accounts to disclose, release or otherwise transmit confidential or privileged
information belonging to the City without the express permission of the City
Manager or Assistant City Manager.
(11) No officer or employee may use City computers or City -funded internet /
email accounts to store any files, emails, or any other information prohibited
by this policy.
(12) No officer or employee may use City computers or City -funded internet /email
accounts to delete or remove programs installed by the City or delete data
prepared by or for the City that is related to City business.
(13) No officer or employee may use City computers or City -funded internet /
email accounts to operate a private business, do work for another employer, or
conduct political campaigns. This prohibition does not apply to the preparation and
generation of election notices and related documents required by law.
(14) No officer or employee may use City computers or City -funded internet /
email accounts to violate another person's privacy, perform an illicit act, or
commit a crime.
E. ENFORCEMENT
(1) Officers and employees shall report Violations of this Policy to the City
Manager or Assistant City Manager.
(2) The City Manager may suspend or revoke an employee's internet or email
access privilege for violation of this Policy
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(3) Violation of this Policy is basis for disciplinary action, up to and
including termination.
(4) The unauthorized disclosure of confidential or privileged information
belonging to the City is basis for disciplinary action, up to and including
termination, and may be punishable as a criminal misdemeanor.
PASSED AND APPROVED, this 25th day %0 July, 2006, by a vote of seven ('7
(ayes) to zero (o) (nays) of the City Council of the City of Anna,
Texas.
CITY OF ANNA
y: Kenneth Pelham, Mayor
ATTEST:
lvatna wilxlson, city secretary
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