Massey University’s Internet connection has come underincreasing stress in recent times and this has impacted a number of servicesITS delivers to the University. ITS has taken a proactive approach to this congestion,and initiated an in-depth audit of the traffic. This audit has identifiedactivities which breach many of Massey’s policies relating to thefollowing materials:
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Breaches of copyright andintellectual property
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Explicitand objectionable materials
Some Internet sites were being used to download these typesof materials at such a prodigious rate, that they actually began to compromisethe performance of important Internet based services.
ITS is implementing the following access policies to managethese activities:
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Allowed
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Monitored
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Blocked
Web sites that provide services and content which areclearly in breach of Massey’s policies are blocked. Sites which providematerials that breach policy, but also have legitimate uses are monitored, andtheir use is reviewed for appropriate access. All sites which are not blockedor monitored are allowed. All web browsing traffic is logged for review as andwhen required.
Examples of sites which are to be added to the‘blocked’ list include, but are not limited to:
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Pornographic sites
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Sites which exist for the sole purpose ofsharing and distributing copyrighted material including movies, televisionprograms, music and software.
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Sites whose purpose is to hide Internet browsingactivities (so-called ‘anonymisers’).
Access to blocked sites can be granted as an exception, butthis will require Head of Department approval. Sites which are blocked report anotification that the site has been blocked and outlines the mechanism to gainexception to this policy.
Sites which are monitored display a notification that accessto the site is granted, but that activities within this site are monitored bythe University to ensure appropriate access in accordance with Massey’spolicies.
Breaches of Massey’s policies, attempts to accessblocked sites and inappropriate use of monitored sites will be reported to theappropriate Heads of Department. Breaches of Massey’s policies may resultin disciplinary actions. Massey’s policies can be found here:http://policyguide.massey.ac.nz
