DIR CapNet and Tex-an Backbone Network

Acceptable Use Policy

DIR CapNet / Tex-an Network
Acceptable Use Policy

Policy
This policy is based on our role as a Network Backbone providing network connectivity between our customers, and also providing our customers network access to the Internet. Acting in this capacity, and based on our Legislative mandate to provide Telecommunications Services (voice and data networking) we assert ownership over the Network we maintain (including, but not limited to - all our Routers, Computers, Servers, Circuits, and affiliated components) up to the interface used to connect to our customer, but not including customer owned equipent.

Collectively, on behalf of all state agencies, we assert that all equipment on the Texas State Government Network is owned and operated by Texas State Government. We further assert that traffic traveling on our network must comply with this Acceptable Use Policy.

Disclaimer of responsibility for content
With the exceptions of information specifically authored by, or on behalf of DIR, DIR does not develop, publish, review, censor or edit the materials and information which are accessible through the DIR network, - originating on our customer networks, or on external networks.

The agencies and organizations, comprising DIR customers and customers of our customers (if any), who publish materials and information which are accessible through the DIR network are solely responsible for the content of such materials and information and are solely responsible to know and to comply with all laws applicable to the publication of such materials and information. DIR does not accept responsibility for the content of the materials and information published by others which are accessible through the DIR network and does not accept responsibility for the violation of any laws resulting from such publication.

DIR Guidelines
It is the responsibility of all DIR customers, and all customers of our customers, and all others who send or receive traffic via the DIR network, to comply with the DIR Acceptable Use Policy and the acceptable use policies of each network traversed in the course of any given transaction (i.e. sending or receiving traffic). The following guidelines are part of the DIR Acceptable Use Policy. It is the responsibility of all customers, subscribers and others who have access to the DIR network to:

use DIR services and facilities in a manner which does not violate any applicable law or regulation;
respect the privacy of other users, and to not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of or modify files, other data or passwords belonging to other users without permission;
respect the legal protection provided by copyright, trademark, licenses and other laws pertaining to programs, data and documents;
minimize unauthenticated or anonymous access accounts and the transmission or distribution of messages or articles from those accounts;
use DIR services and facilities in a manner which does not interfere with or disrupt other network users, services or equipment. Such interference or disruption includes, but is not limited to: wide-scale distribution of messages via e-mail or inappropriate forums, wide-scale distribution of messages to multiple inappropriate forums or mailing lists, propagation of computer worms or viruses, and use of the network to make unauthorized entry to other computational, information or communications devices or resources. This includes unauthorized security probing activities or other attempts to evaluate the security integrity of a network or host system without prior and specific signed written permission from the Security Officer or the Division Director.

Distribution is Required
Each DIR Customer shall be responsible to distribute, publicize and enforce the DIR Acceptable Use Policy at their sites. In addition, each DIR customer and subscriber shall provide this policy to appropriate administrative authorities at all sites connecting to theirs via connections not directly supported by DIR.

Enforcement and Violations
Even though DIR does not routinely review, censor or edit the materials and information which are transmitted through the DIR network or other networks which may be connected to the DIR network, DIR retains the right to monitor and log traffic on our network to enforce and ensure compliance with this Acceptable Use Policy. DIR reserves the right to take action up to and including, the temporary interruption of services to the customer from DIR, termination of DIR services, and forfeiture of all dues and fees paid to date. DIR is the sole arbiter of what constitutes violation of this Policy, and what level of response is appropriate in each circumstance. Evidence of illegal or prohibited activities may be disclosed to law enforcement authorities.

All traffic transiting through the DIR Telecommunications network, or destined for computers and/or network nodes via the DIR Telecommunications network is covered by the Texas Computer Crime Statute.

Modifications to this policy
DIR reserves the right to modify this policy at any time. Members and subscribers will receive notification of all modifications on a best effort basis. Sending notice via the Network Manager's E-mail distribution list will constitute sufficient notice. Reproduction of this document for the purposes of distribution to aid compliance is permitted.

Information
Questions related to the DIR Acceptable Use Policy should be addressed to:

Director of Communications Technology Services
DIR
P.O. Box 13564
Austin, Texas 78711-3564
E-mail: DIR CTS m

Revised July 19, 2012