Filtering Non-Library Internet Access on Hillsborough County-Owned Computer Equipment
Purpose
To improve workplace efficiency and environment by providing a policy for the filtering of obscenity and pornography from the County’s Internet facilities, other than those facilities provided by the Library.
Policy
It is the policy of the Board of County Commissioners that appropriate technical methods be employed to prevent County computers from accessing obscene or pornographic materials through the use of nonlibrary, County managed, dedicated Internet facilities. The Board recognizes that there may be some circumstances that would require a County employee, using said facilities, to access such material in the course of their assigned duties, such as researching Internet abuse, or as part of a criminal investigation.
This policy allows the Information and Technology Services department to provide some form of unfiltered access as agreed upon by those managers responsible for the employee in need of unfiltered access.
Responsibilities
The Board of County Commissioners recognizes that current automated Internet filtering technology is not foolproof and there is no guarantee that one hundred percent of all obscene and pornographic materials will be blocked by filtering mechanisms. It is the responsibility of the Information & Technology Services Department to manage Internet access equipment and make every reasonable effort to employ appropriate Internet filtering technology in order to block obscenity and pornography from County computers.
The Board of County Commissioners also understands that it may not be practical and/or cost effective to filter all computer technology such as mobile devices (e.g, laptops, tablets, smartphones). Information & Technology Services with County Administrator approval will determine where exceptions are warranted and it is the responsibility of all Department Directors to hold staff accountable and recommend appropriate disciplinary action for non-compliance with applicable policies and procedures regarding the usage of the internet.