A. Internet Connections
Internet connections are authorized for specific business needs. Connection to the Internet without your supervisor's authorization is prohibited. Incidental or occasional use of the Internet for personal reasons may be permitted subject to all other Internet guidelines and should be limited to formal lunch and break periods. All web sites visited on the Village network are monitored, filtered, and recorded. Furthermore, the following activities are prohibited without the authorization of your department director and the knowledge of the IT Department.
• Accessing the Internet by intentionally bypassing the firewall.
• Downloading information of any kind, including data, files, programs, pictures, screen savers, streaming video or audio, and attachments, except as required in the fulfillment of one's job responsibilities.
• Exploring the Internet for profit.
• Establishing communications with third parties that allows access to the employee's computer without prior IT approval.
• Forwarding or transmitting information to third parties or employees for reasons other than Village business
• Copying programs, files, and data for reasons other than Village business.
• Transmitting important, confidential, or proprietary information.
• Speaking on behalf of the Village
Individuals who have received management approval to transmit information on the Internet should understand that such transmissions are identifiable and attributable to the Village. Accordingly, users are expected to maintain a professional decorum in all communications and transmissions.
The following actions are prohibited under any circumstances:
• Portraying yourself as someone other than who you are or the Village you represent.
• Accessing inappropriate web sites, data, pictures, jokes, files, and games.
• Inappropriate chatting, email, monitoring, or viewing.
• Harassing, discriminating, or in any way making defamatory comments.
• Transmitting junk mail, chain letters, or soliciting for commercial, religious, charitable, or political causes except for Village-sponsored or approved charities.
• Gambling or any other activity that is illegal, violates Village policy, or is contrary to the Village's interests.
• Accessing audio or video sites for entertainment purposes.
B. Filters
The Village reserves the right to identify and block Internet content that is inconsistent with the goals of the Village. Materials that may reasonably be construed to be obscene, disruptive, or harmful to the working environment may be blocked. Since no filtering mechanism can block all objectionable content, however, computer users must adhere to the guidelines stated herein and refrain from viewing, displaying, sending, receiving, storing, or printing all such materials.
C. Subscriptions
Use of subscription-based services for work purposes without approval from your department director is prohibited. Some Internet sites require that users subscribe before being able to use them. Users should not subscribe to such services without prior approval. Resources of any kind where fees are assessed may not be accessed without prior approval.
(Ord. 23-1853, passed 5-3-23)