Internet Access Policy
1 Introduction
1.1 Canterbury Christ Church University has a policy of
permitting lawful access to any internet site, subject to the
restrictions included in this Policy.
2 Conditions of access to the internet
2.1 It is a condition of the use of the University’s
Information Technology (IT) facilities that a user accesses
internet sites responsibly. To this end, the right of access to
internet sites is subject to the requirement that the user makes
such access in a manner that does not cause harm, either
directly or indirectly, to the user, other users or the
University.
2.2 Inappropriate use includes accessing, storing and
disseminating material that is:
2.2.1. illegal, including sites inciting unlawful
activity
2.2.2. obscene or deliberately offensive in nature
2.2.3. discriminatory on grounds of age, disability,
faith or belief, gender, race or sexual orientation
2.2.4. likely to result in harassment or bullying of
others
2.3 The ability to access any particular site is not
warranty of its suitability.
2.4 The consequence of failing to act responsibly is that
staff and students will be subject to the relevant disciplinary
procedures .
3 Accessing the Internet
3.1 Before logging on each time, users have to
acknowledge a statement confirming they agree to the Regulations
for the Acceptable Use of University Information Technology.
3.2 The University reserves the right to carry out
general checks to ensure the appropriate use of IT facilities,
including accessing internet sites, according to the University
Regulations and within the law. Any 'personalised monitoring'
will only be undertaken where there is a reasonable suspicion
that the University Regulations, or the law, are being broken,
and subject to relevant legislation and University policy.
4 Access for students under the age of 18 years
4.1 Where the programme of study or the activity is
provided specifically for participants who are under 18 years of
age, the University reserves the right to restrict access to
websites on grounds of the protection of minors . The
restriction may be applied by limiting the location where the
computers are accessed or the websites themselves, or through
proactive monitoring and appropriate disciplinary action. Such a
restriction does not apply to those students under 18 years of
age on a programme where there is no age restriction for entry.
5 Blocking of Sites
5.1 The University reserves the right to block specific
internet sites in one of two ways:
5.1.1. The Academic Board may take a policy decision,
acting on advice from the Information Systems Committee.
5.1.2. The Head of Computing Services (or nominee) may
take a decision for technical reasons, principally to maintain
the service and/or prevent damage to University systems. In such
cases, there is a requirement to undertake an equality impact
assessment. A user may make representation against such a
decision in line with the University complaints procedure.
6 Monitoring and Review
6.1 The Policy is subject to periodic review. The
University reserves the right to change the arrangements for
access to internet sites following any such review.
Staff Disciplinary Procedures (http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/support/human-resources/policies-procedures/Disciplinejune2007.doc)
Student Disciplinary Procedures (http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/support/student-support-services/students/disciplinary.doc)
The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/20000023.htm)
controls the interception of traffic on networks. The
enforcement of acceptable use policies, is covered by the
Telecommunications (Lawful Business Practice) (Interception of
Communications) Regulations 2000(http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2000/
20002699.htm). The Act also creates powers for the police
and other investigating authorities to require networks to
provide information about their users and their use of networks.
Under 18s Policy (http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/support/university-solicitor/policies/index.asp)
Updated September 2008
