POLICY AND GUIDELINES FOR INTERNET USE FOR THE

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS PERSONNEL

The purpose of this guideline is to establish a policy pertaining to the use of the Administrative Office of the Courts’ (AOC) personnel regarding the use of time and resources spent on the Internet.

The Internet is a world-wide collection of interconnected networks. The State's wide area network is one of many networks connected to the Internet. Electronic tools associated with Internet access, such as electronic mail (E-mail) and the World Wide Web, help public agencies streamline information access and conduct business and research. These tools are used to facilitate inter-agency communication and information processing, as well as communication between public agencies and entities on the Internet, such as other government organizations, educational institutions, private businesses, and citizens.

Increasing numbers of public staffs now access the Internet. Public use of publicly provided information on the Internet is growing. Public staffs have stewardship responsibilities for public information. The open connection afforded by Internet access underscores the need for heightened awareness among public employees regarding prudent behavior as it pertains to information dissemination and access.

The following policy represents the policy and guideline applicable to all AOC personnel regarding the use of the Internet.

  1. At the present time, it is not possible to provide internet access for each employee; requests for access should be made, in writing, to the AOC Director and should state the need for access and the benefits of the Internet as it relates to the primary tasks of the individual’s position.

  2. While in performance of work-related functions, while on the job, or while using court owned or court provided information processing resources, all AOC personnel are expected to use the Internet responsibly and professionally and shall make no intentional use of these services in an illegal, malicious, or obscene manner. AOC personnel may make reasonable personal use of Internet resources as long as:

    a. The direct measurable cost to the public is none or is negligible;

    b. There is no negative impact on employee performance of public duties; and,

    c. The policy is applied equitably among all employees of the agency.

  3. When sending or forwarding E-mail over the Internet, AOC employees shall identify themselves clearly and accurately. Anonymous or pseudonymous posting is expressly forbidden.

  4. AOC employees have a responsibility to make sure that all public information disseminated via the Internet is accurate.

  5. All files to be downloaded from an external source must first be scanned for viruses and approved by the Information Services Division. This includes files obtained as e-mail attachments and by any other file transfer mechanism. It is the responsibility of all AOC employees to prevent the introduction of/or propagation of viruses.

  6. The Internet provides easy access to software distributed by companies on a trial basis. This free access does not indicate that the software is free or that it may be distributed freely. All applicable software copyright and licensing laws must be followed.

    This policy mirrors the guidelines established by the North Carolina Integrated Information Network and is consistent with the Policy for Internet Use for NC Appellate Courts Personnel. (http://www.osc.state.nc.us/IRMC/documents/approvals/nciin.html).