Web Filtering Policy

Transcription

1 Web Filtering Policy Creator Head of Information Services Approved By Court Approval Date(s) Review Date Version Approved 1.0 Document Type Policy Activity/Task Information and Knowledge Management/Policy, guidelines and Retention Schedule Document Location Keywords IT, Regulations, Policy

2 Version Control Table Version number Purpose / Changes Author Date Draft 1.0 New policy Head of 1/8/2008 Information services 1.0 Policy approved by Court

3 I N D E X Page Contents 3 Introduction 4 Why Block a Web Page? 4 Categories of Web material that may be blocked 5 Requesting the unblocking or blocking of a URL or domain 5 Refusal to unblock or block and your right of appeal 5

4 4 Web Filtering Policy 1. Introduction The University of Abertay, Dundee ("University") currently uses scanning technology to prevent the downloading of software that is malicious and disruptive or that can damage the network or degrade performance significantly. Web filtering extends this protection to restrict access to material, which may be considered inappropriate based on its subject matter and the University has now introduced web filtering software. The system operates by blocking access to any URLs matching a list of blacklisted sites or categories. Websense, the provider of the enterprise web filtering software used by the University, compiles this blacklist which is updated regularly. This software is designed to seek out websites with particular categories of content, including but not limited to pornography and incitement to unlawful behaviour. Information (including network session connection times, computer processor and disk utilisation, security audit trails, network loading, and volume) will be collected about Authorised Users (defined in the Regulations) use of the University s IT and communication facilities automatically and the University shall review such information in accordance with the University's Regulations governing the use of University IT and Communications Facilities ("Regulations") After undertaking an impact assessment on the University s web filtering system, the University felt it is justified and necessary to monitor use of the facilities as stated in this Web Filtering Policy and the Regulations for the reasons set out. 2. Why Block a Web Page? All use of University computing facilities is subject to and should be read in conjunction with the Regulations:- IT and Communications Regulations. The basic criterion for blocking a single URL or groups of URLs, is defined by categories set out in the Websense blacklist. Knowingly accessing such URLs would breach the Regulations. The University applies web filtering to web pages accessed by all Authorised Users. Web filtering will also be used where Authorised Users connect wirelessly to the internet via the University's web VPN facility.

5 5 3. Categories of web material that may be blocked The types of websites which may be blocked include, but are not limited to, Sites that display full or partial nudity in a sexual context; Sites that depict or graphically describe sexual acts or activity, including exhibitionism, also sites offering direct links to such sites; Sites with content that is gratuitously offensive or shocking; Sites which relate to terrorist activities; Sites that feature or promote violence or bodily harm; Sites that promote the denigration of racial groups; Sites that provide instruction in or promote non-violent crime, or unethical or dishonest behaviour, or the avoidance of prosecution; Site which breach the intellectual property rights, such as certain mp3 or audio and video download services. It is impossible for the web filtering system to block all websites which the University would deem inappropriate or contrary to the Regulations, and should the University become aware, through monitoring or through any other means that an Authorised User is visiting sites of the above nature, this will be considered a breach of the Regulations and shall be dealt with as specified in the Regulations. 4. Requesting the unblocking or blocking of a URL or domain If a member of staff or student considers that a website has been incorrectly classified as a blocked site, they can apply for the site to be reclassified. A Web Filtering Review Group will monitor the appropriateness of the filtering categories and provide a means of arbitration for resolving re-classification requests. Use the appropriate link below to request the unblocking or blocking of a URL or domain. You will be asked to give a brief description of the Website and your reasons for asking it to be unblocked or blocked. These reasons should make reference to the criteria in this document. The submission of your request will be acknowledged via with a Help Desk call reference number. The Web Filtering Review Group will consider the request and respond to let you know whether it has been accepted. In the case where text on the Website is in a language other than English, you may be asked to provide a translation of sections of the text. Unblock URL Request Block URL Request 5. Refusal to unblock or block and your Right of Appeal When a request to unblock (or block) a URL is received, the contents of the website and pages to which it links will be assessed against the above criteria and the Regulations. If the request is rejected, the person making the request will be informed of the criteria by which the blocking (or failure to block) was judged to be appropriate and will have the right to appeal against the rejection of the request. Such appeals should be made to the Head of Information Services, whose decision will be final. This Web Filtering Policy may be updated from time to time. Any updates will be highlighted in the University's Portal notice page University of Abertay Dundee Portal and it is the Authorised User's responsibility to review the latest version.