(A) Definitions. For purposes of this policy:
(1) Work provided COMPUTERS AND DIGITAL EQUIPMENT mean all computers, both desktop and laptop, cameras, scanners, printers, and all other digital equipment the Town of Monon may in the future acquire.
(2) INTERNET ACCESS includes the internet, World Wide Web, Intranet, printers, and any other network or communication system or end point on any network established by the Town of Monon.
(B) The employee understands and acknowledges that he/she has absolutely no expectation of privacy or confidentiality when using the town's communication systems. The purpose of Town of Monon Government-provided computers and digital equipment, and internet access for employees is to facilitate communications in support of the mission of the town and to perform the work of the town. Use of such work-provided equipment and access entails responsibility. To remain eligible for such use and access, an employee's use of the town computers and digital equipment, and internet access must be consistent with the performance of the employee's duties within the town.
(C) Limited, incidental, personal use of Town of Monon provided computers and digital equipment and internet access only as follows:
(1) The use does not interfere with the performance of the employee's public duties.
(2) The use must be infrequent, of short duration and, unless not reasonably practical, made on the employee's personal time.
(3) The use must not be for the purpose of conducting business related to an outside commercial activity.
(4) The use must not be for the purpose of supporting or conducting activities of any political party or candidate.
(5) The use must not be for any purpose determined to be illegal.
(D) While there is a general expectation that files and documents generated or stored on Town of Monon work provided computers and email transmitted to and from work provided computers will be accessed only by authorized users, privacy of such files, documents, and e-mail is not guaranteed, nor should employees expect privacy of such documents and transmissions.
(E) The following uses of work provided computers and digital equipment and internet access is not permitted:
(1) To access, upload, download, to distribute pornographic, obscene, threatening, abusive, or sexually explicit material.
(2) To transmit obscene, abusive, sexually explicit, or threatening language.
(3) To violate any local, state, or federal law.
(4) To vandalize, damage, or disable the property of another individual or organization.
(5) To access another individual's materials, information, or files without permission.
(6) To violate copyright or use in an impermissible way the intellectual property of another individual or organization.
(7) To promote, advertise, or otherwise engage in a personal or private venue.
(F) Violation of the policy and rules may result in loss of access to work-provided computers and digital equipment or internet access in addition to other disciplinary action determined to be appropriate by the employee's department head, and the Monon Town Council. In particularly serious situations, or when an employee continues to violate this policy, termination may occur. Where guidance or interpretation is needed concerning the appropriateness of a particular use, an employee should discuss the situations with the employee's department head, who may seek further guidance and direction as necessary.
(Ord. 2022-13, passed 12-21-2022)