Summary
This policy outlines the rules and responsibilities for users of the State's
Internet (world wide web) access.
Goals
This policy is designed to
- reinforce that existing standards and policies regarding professional
conduct will also apply to computer usage.
- ensure that state employees use information technology resources in
an efficient and effective manner.
- protect the integrity of state data and computer systems from intentional
abuse.
Applicability
This policy applies to all state employees, interns, contractors and all
other users of the state's internet access except for those at state colleges
and universities. Additional policies apply to state employees who are
using the Internet to disseminate information.
Policy Statements
- Ethics, Professional Conduct and Efficiency
The Internet is provided to state computer users as a tool to enhance
their ability to perform their daily tasks more efficiently and effectively.
Users should be aware that their access to the Internet may be monitored
if there is reason to believe that this policy has been violated. Employees,
and others using state Internet resources, shall:
- retrieve information related to performing their job,
- access the Internet in a responsible and informed way,
- abide by all applicable laws and regulations.
Users, and others using state Internet resources, shall not:
- view or distribute links to obscene, pornographic, profane or sexually
oriented material,
- obtain or distribute copyrighted information or software without
permission,
- use the Internet for any illegal purpose,
- use the Internet for gambling or gaming,
- have any expectation of privacy while using the Internet.
Personal use of the Internet is permissible provided it does not:
- interfere with work responsibilities,
- promote political, religious, profit-making business,
- increase state costs.
- Security and Privacy
Users shall not:
- use software or hardware (while connected to the Internet) that
jeopardizes the security or integrity of the network,
- use wireless broadband connections or instant messaging unless approved
by the Information Technology staff.
Roles and Responsibilities
Users - responsible for reading, understanding and adhering to
this policy.
Managers - are responsible for the effective utilization of technology
by subordinates and compliance with policy standards. Reports of misconduct
will be brought to the attention of the appropriate agency and human resources
authority(ies) for corrective action. Minor transgressions will be handled
at the lowest possible level. Incidents that involve ethical, security
or privacy issues or are disruptive to a large user-group must be reports
to Human Resources and IT staffs.
Human Resources Division - responsible for the overall communication
and enforcement of this policy, and subsequent revisions, to state employees.
Also responsible for ensuring that the policy is consistent with other
personnel policies adopted by the state and for recommending revisions
to the policy as changes in working conditions may warrant.
Division of Information Technology (DoIT) - responsible for the
components of this policy that pertain to the efficient use of information
technology and resources. Internet access should be monitored for effective
enforcement of this policy. The Information Technology staff is also responsible
for assisting the human resources staff with the effective communication
and enforcement of the policy.
Compliance
The State reserves the right to examine Internet usage for system performance
monitoring and to investigate potential abuse of the State's information
technology resources. Internet users will be held accountable for any
breaches of policy, security or confidentiality resulting from the use
of the Internet. Violations may result in disciplinary actions. Abuse
or misconduct can be reported (by employees, supervisors, IT staff, the
public or others) to the appropriate agency authority for remedial action.
Violations will be handled through the applicable union contracts, personnel
rules, and state and federal statutes. Depending on the nature and severity
of the abuse, violations will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action,
up to and including termination. Criminal or civil action may be initiated
in appropriate instances.
Exemptions
There are two exemptions to this policy.
1) The Colleges and Universities are bound by the policies adopted by
the Board of Higher Education. (URI
Policies)
2) The Department of Corrections does not allow for any personal use
of the internet. (DOC policy contact)
Agencies may choose to add to this policy, in order to enforce more restrictive
requirements, provided that the additions to this policy are filed with,
and approved by, the Chief Information Officer.
Authority
- Ethics, Professional Conduct and Efficiency
- State Personnel Rules 6.02 Conduct of State Employees. "It is the
duty of every employee to so conduct himself/herself inside and outside
his/her office as to be worthy of the esteem a public employee must
enjoy. . ."
- §34-14-1 Code of Ethics -- Declaration of Policy. "It is the policy
of the State of Rhode Island that public officials and employees must
adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct, respect the public
trust and rights of all persons, be open, accountable and responsive,
avoid the appearance of impropriety, and not use their position for
private gain or advantage…."
- The Information Resources Management Board § 29-8 et. seq. § 29-8-10.
. .
(a) Providing . . .policy direction. . .for the executive branch
of state government and public universities. . .
(c) defining, maintaining, and publishing a timely information
resources management architecture. . . and implementing processes
and procedures to ensure compliance. .
- Security and Privacy
- § 29-8-10. (n) Recommending procedures and legislation to ensure
the privacy of individuals, with particular emphasis on the potential
for invasion of individual privacy.
Related Documents
Statewide Information Technology Policies
Definitions
Internet Access includes all available routes to the Internet, including
direct Internet Provider access and Modem/ISP individual accounts.
A
Rhode Island Government Website