SOP_NUMBER: 105.11
TITLE: Inappropriate/Prohibited Use of the Internet
DIVISION: Executive Division - Office of Information Technology
TOPIC_AREA: 105 Policy-Information Technology
EFFECTIVE_DATE: 2015-01-01
WORD_COUNT: 843
POWERDMS_URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/105568
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/105.11/

SUMMARY:
This policy establishes guidelines for acceptable and unacceptable use of internet access provided through GDC network resources. It applies to all individuals with GDC internet access and prohibits activities such as downloading pornographic material, illegal activities, copyright infringement, gambling, and for-profit business use. Violations can result in access revocation, disciplinary action up to termination, or criminal/civil prosecution.

KEY_TOPICS: internet usage policy, acceptable use, prohibited use, inappropriate use, internet monitoring, copyright infringement, pornography, online gambling, computer systems protection, network access, GDC resources, illegal activities, disciplinary action, internet access revocation

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|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:  Inappropriate/Prohibited Use of the Internet**|**Policy Name:  Inappropriate/Prohibited Use of the Internet**|**Policy Name:  Inappropriate/Prohibited Use of the Internet**|
|**Policy Number:** 105.11|**Effective Date:** 01/01/15|**Page Number** 1 of 4|
|**Authority:** <br>Owens/Dozier/McMurry <br>|**Originating Division:**  <br>Executive Division - OIT|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access|



I. Introduction and Summary:

The purpose of this procedure is to provide guidance to individuals utilizing Georgia
Department of Corrections (GDC) resources to access the Internet. This document is
intended to provide direction on acceptable Intent usage and those situations that
constitute inappropriate or prohibited use of the Internet.

II. Authority:

A. O.C.G.A: 16-9-90 (Georgia Computer Systems Protection Act)
B. Standard Operating Procedures: IIA05-0003, IVJ02-001

III. Definitions:

None

IV. Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:

Internet access through the GDC network imposes certain responsibilities and
obligations on users. Users accessing the Internet are subject to all federal, state, and
local policies governing network and Internet access and usage. As a condition of
being granted access by GDC, each individual must comply with this policy and
refrain from inappropriate prohibited use at all times.

**A.** **INTERNET USAGE MONITORING**


1. Individuals with access to the Internet through the GDC network should be

aware that any information accessed, downloaded, or transmitted may be
reviewed by agency management. While GDC respects the privacy of those
individuals accessing the Internet, the importance of ensuring appropriate use
of state resources may result in the occasional monitoring of Internet sites
visited by individuals that utilize GDC resources to access the Internet.
Inappropriate Internet usage can cause network performance issues but most
importantly expose the GDC to significant legal liability and reflect discredit
on the agency.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:  Inappropriate/Prohibited Use of the Internet**|**Policy Name:  Inappropriate/Prohibited Use of the Internet**|**Policy Name:  Inappropriate/Prohibited Use of the Internet**|
|**Policy Number:** 105.11|**Effective Date:** 01/01/15|**Page Number** 2 of 4|
|**Authority:** <br>Owens/Dozier/McMurry <br>|**Originating Division:**  <br>Executive Division - OIT|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access|



2. When using GDC resources to access the Internet and Internet sites,

individuals are consenting to the monitoring of their use and have no
reasonable expectations of privacy in the use of these resources.

**B.** **INAPPROPRIATE USE**


Any use of the Internet (Word Wide Web) that is not in the best interest of the
GDC or the State of Georgia will be considered inappropriate. This list is not
considered to be all inclusive. Inappropriate Internet use includes, but is not
limited to:


1. Uploading or downloading commercial or agency software that would be

considered infringement of any copyright, trademark, patent or other
intellectual property rights

2. Unauthorized distribution of GDC data and information


3. Playing online games


4. Participation in peer-to-peer music or video file sharing sites


5. Knowingly downloading or distributing pirated software, information, or

malicious program code

6. Conducting any activity or solicitation for political or religious causes


7. Participation in on-line chat programs unless specifically authorized by GDC


8. Performing any activity that could cause the loss, corruption of, or prevention

of rightful access to data or the degradation of system or network performance

9. Conducting for-profit activities to include business transactions, private

advertising of products or services, and any activity meant to foster gain

10. Conducting unauthorized not-for-profit business activities


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:  Inappropriate/Prohibited Use of the Internet**|**Policy Name:  Inappropriate/Prohibited Use of the Internet**|**Policy Name:  Inappropriate/Prohibited Use of the Internet**|
|**Policy Number:** 105.11|**Effective Date:** 01/01/15|**Page Number** 3 of 4|
|**Authority:** <br>Owens/Dozier/McMurry <br>|**Originating Division:**  <br>Executive Division - OIT|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access|



11. Any other activity that would reflect discredit on GDC


**C.** **PROHIBITED USE**


Any use of the Internet (World Wide Web) for the following purposes is strictly
prohibited:


1. Creation, accessing, downloading, or transmitting sexually explicit, obscene,

or pornographic material

2. Assessing or participation on online gambling


3. Posting, accessing, or downloading material that could be considered

discriminatory, offensive, threatening, harassing or intimidating

4. Conducting any illegal activities as defined by federal state, or local laws or

regulations

5. Knowingly to deceive through false impersonation or the use of another

individuals identity

**D.** **PENALTIES FOR MISUSE OF INTERNET ACCESS**


Individuals using GDC provided Internet access agrees to adhere to the policies
and guidelines established by the agency. Alleged violations of this policy will be
reviewed on a case-by-case basis.


1. Internet access can be revoked at any time.


2. Clear and willful violations or abuse of what is considered to be acceptable

use will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including
termination from employment.

3. In appropriate circumstances and when justified, criminal or civil action may

be initiated.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name: Inappropriate/Prohibited Use of the Internet**|**Policy Name: Inappropriate/Prohibited Use of the Internet**|**Policy Name: Inappropriate/Prohibited Use of the Internet**|
|**Policy Number:** 105.11|**Effective Date:** 01/01/15|**Page Number** 4 of 4|
|**Authority:** <br>Owens/Dozier/McMurry <br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Executive Division - OIT|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access|


V. Attachments:
None