PRIVACY AND SECURITY POLICIES

Philosophy

The Internet is a resource that enables users access to a wealth of information that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages. The Internet is an unregulated medium and enables access to some materials that may be offensive and/or illegal. The Internet is not subject to the same selection criteria which ICOD, Inc. uses for other materials. Freedom to access information is also a responsibility for the user. ICOD, Inc. does not monitor and has no control over materials obtained on the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content

ICOD, Inc. identifies sites that staff thinks are accurate and from authoritative sources to assist users with their information needs. This document is a system-wide policy that impacts all computers in the network that have Internet access and is based on principles in the Mission Statement of ICOD, Inc. ICOD, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any damage, direct or indirect, that users or anyone else may suffer through access to the Internet at either of our network sites.

All Internet users at network sites agree to hold ICOD, Inc. harmless from any claims, losses, damages, obligations, or liabilities relating to:

Infringement of U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, United States Code) governing the reproduction, distribution, adaptation, public performance, and public display of copyrighted material.

The use and/or accuracy of information obtained from ICOD, Inc.'s electronic information system.

Damage to non-ICOD, Inc. software or hardware resulting from viruses downloaded via our Internet services.

Users may not use their own software programs on any of the program’s computers. This will help prevent computer viruses that are common on public computers. All disks must be checked for viruses before use. Please see staff to scan and clean disks. Internet use will be managed in a manner consistent with ICOD, Inc.'s adopted Rules of Conduct .

Warning: Although ICOD, Inc. uses a virus-checker on its computers, this will not completely protect users from the chance of getting a virus. Software downloaded from the Internet may contain a virus and users need to have virus-checking software on their own personal computers. ICOD, Inc. is not responsible for damage to a user’s disk or computer, or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from patron use of the Center's computers.

Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Users need to be good information consumers, carefully examining the source of the information and questioning the validity of the information they find. Misuse of the computer or Internet access will result in loss of user computer privileges.

ICOD's Role and Parents' Responsibility

ICOD, Inc. provides assistance and information for computer users to take advantage of the resources of the Internet. The Internet contains information on all subjects from many viewpoints; not all sources provide information that is accurate, complete, or current and some may be offensive. ICOD, Inc. selects Internet Resources (links) for users to more efficiently access information.

Visit the Resource Centers often with your child.

Spend time online visiting sites with your child.

Discuss with your child any topics that may be off limits when they are on the Internet.

Tell your child never to give out identifying information, such as home address, telephone number, password or school name.

Emphasize with your child to never arrange to meet in-person with strangers they talk to on the Internet. Be aware of the dangers inherent in Children's participation in chat rooms.

Encourage your child to ask Center staff for help in finding information on the Internet.

E-MAIL

Resource Center staff will assist users in how to apply for web-based e-mail accounts. E-mail is available at selected terminals throughout the region. E-mail passwords should be guarded carefully and kept secure. E-mail is not considered to be a private means of communications.

VISTAS does not endorse the services of any E-mail provider. Additionally, VISTAS does not accept responsibility for the technical support of e-mail services or for the security of e-mail messages.

ICOD, Inc. expects responsible, ethical use of Internet resources. The following guidelines shall be followed:

Identify yourself properly when using any Internet services.

Be aware that use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, which may be revoked at any time for inappropriate conduct.

Use resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only. Do not use for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.

Respect copyright and licensing agreements.

Respect the privacy of others by not misrepresenting yourself as another user. Do not attempt to modify or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others. Do not seek unauthorized

access to any computer system. Do not damage or alter software components of any network or database. Do not send, receive or display text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene.

Logoff a remote computer system when finished. Maintaining a connection that is not actively being used may prevent others from connecting to that system.

Read or obtain instruction or documentation files when using a system for the first time. Be aware of time and resource limitations of remote systems. Address any questions to Center staff. In addition to the Staff's expertise, many printed guides and training manuals on the use of the Internet are available.

Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Patrons need to be good information consumers, questioning the validity of the information they find.

Users are financially responsible for any charges that they may incur from their use of the Internet and are legally responsible for any inappropriate, unlawful, and illegal activities that they perform on the Internet. Users should also be aware that Internet communications and computer equipment are not private.

WARNING:

What you are doing on the Internet may be seen by others, including children. Accessing sites that contain pornography, obscenity and other illicit materials is not permitted through ICOD's resources and is against the laws of the state of Georgia.

Unlawful use, misuse or abuse of ICOD's computer equipment or materials will result in suspension or termination of user access to these resources.Our staff reserves the right to terminate a user session at any time as a result of violations of policies and procedures or posted behavioral guidelines.

revised 01/29/2005  HOME