§ 74-1018. Network and internet/intranet

(a) Personal responsibility. By accepting an account (user ID) or using an account to access Dallas County's Network a user agrees to adhere to all Dallas County policies regarding such use and agrees to report any misuse or policy violation(s) to user's supervisor and/or the Dallas County Office of Information Technology.

(b) Permitted use and term. Use of Dallas County network resources is a privilege, not a right. Use of the network and access extends throughout a user's term of employment, providing the employee does not violate Dallas County policies regarding network use. Department heads shall be responsible for the identification of both appropriate and inappropriate use.

(c) Availability of access. Dallas County reserves the right to suspend access at anytime, without notice, for technical, policy, security or other violation concerns. If access is terminated for cause, termination may result.

(d) Privacy. Network resources are provided as a tool for Dallas County business. Dallas County reserves the right to monitor, inspect, copy, review, delete and/or store at any time, without notice, and without user's consent, any and all usage of the network including all files, software, communications and other electronic data transmitted, received or stored in connection with network usage. Any and all electronic data is the property of Dallas County or elected official; a user should have no expectation of privacy regarding network use.

(e) Downloading files/software. Users shall not download application files or software from the internet. The office of information technology must be contacted and will coordinate all downloads.

(f) Prohibited activities. Users shall be prohibited from using Dallas County electronic information system, network or internet/intranet access for the following activities:

(1) Downloading software without the prior written approval of the office of information technology.

(2) Printing and/or distributing copyrighted materials; this includes but is not limited to software, articles and graphics protected by copyright laws.

(3) Using software that is not licensed by the manufacturer or approved by the Dallas County Office of Information Technology.

(4) Sending, printing or otherwise disseminating Dallas County proprietary data or other information deemed confidential by Dallas County to unauthorized persons.

(5) Operating a business, soliciting money for personal gain or otherwise engaging in commercial activity outside the scope of employment.

(6) Making offensive or harassing statements based on race, religion, national origin, veteran status, ancestry, disability, age, sex or sexual orientation.

(7) Sending or forwarding messages that discloses confidential information and/or accessing, transmitting, receiving or seeking confidential information without proper authorization.

(8) Sending or soliciting sexually oriented messages or images.

(9) Attempting to access or visit internet sites featuring pornography, terrorism, espionage, theft or illegal drug activities.

(10) Gambling or engaging in any other criminal activity in violation of local, state or federal law.

(11) Participating in activities, including the preparation or dissemination of content, which could damage Dallas County professional image, reputation and/or financial stability.

(12) Permitting or granting use of an email or system account to another employee or person outside Dallas County. Permitting another person to use an account or password to access the network or the internet, including, but is not limited to, someone whose access has been denied or terminated.

(13) Using another employee's ID or impersonating another person while communicating or accessing the Dallas County network.

(14) Intentionally introducing a virus, harmful component, corrupted data or malicious tampering with any of Dallas County computer system.

(Ord. No. 2009-0822, 5-5-2009)