Acceptable Use Policy at UWO/ITS
USENET News System
Information Technology Services
University of Western Ontario
Thu Jan 25 15:45:15 EST 1996 [by REQ]
Users of computing and network resources administered by Information
Technology Services at the University of Western Ontario must sign and
agree to an acceptable use statement on the "User Application Form".
The statement is as follows:
[begin-quote]
The University's computing resources have been acquired, and are allocated to
groups and individuals, for specific academic purposes. It is against the
best interests of the community using Information Technology Services
facilities to use University computing resources for purposes different from
that for which they are allocated.
In particular, all of the following activities are considered unethical:
1. To give, sell, or otherwise provide computing resources to individuals
or groups which do not have explicit permission to use them from the
authority which allocated them.
2. To inspect, alter, delete, publish, or otherwise tamper with files
that the individual is not authorized to access.
3. To engage in any action which denies or restricts the use of computer
facilities to other authorized users of those facilities.
4. To redistribute any portion of any program on the software distribution
disk, in whole or in part. The software is solely for your academic use
as a member of the University of Western Ontario.
SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTION PACKAGES ARE COPYRIGHTED AND MADE AVAILABLE BY
SITE LICENCES
In applying for E-mail/Modem Access/Software packages I agree that I
have read and understood the above code of ethical behaviour.
Signature: __________________________________
[end-quote]
University policies are very clear that the use of all facilities must
honour not only the letter of the law but the spirit as well.
It should be noted that although the activities are described as "unethical"
the Criminal Code of Canada covers each as well. In the Criminal Code: S326
covers theft of telecommunications services, S342.1 covers unauthorized access
to a computer system, S430.[387] covers mischief to data, and S463-467 covers
attempts to, accessories to, counselling to, and conspiracy to commit an
offence. The law is clear, moreover S19 says that ignorance of the law is not
an excuse for committing an offence under the law. Punishment for these crimes
includes jail terms and confiscation of property. Civil prosecution is
applicable as well. And finally, academic sanction will apply.
Any questions or concerns about this policy should be directed to
Information Technology Services at (519) 661-2151.