Acceptable Use Policy

This Acceptable Use Policy specifies the limitations on the uses which may be made of the readingConnect service. The University of Reading reserves the right to modify this policy at any time. Modifications will be posted at www.readingconnect.net/aup

1. The Managed Network

readingConnect is a University of Reading service that provides a managed network connection to hall study bedrooms providing broadband access to the University campus data network and the Internet. The aim of the managed network is to provide:

• A broadband network connection over Ethernet link
• The ability to connect to the University campus data network and JANET UK educational network. Such access is subject to further conditions, listed in the Rules for the Use of University Computers and Data Network
• Access to the Internet. Whilst maximum flexibility is provided for users to run network aware gaming software and other applications, readingConnect reserves the right to restrict and limit protocols, bandwidth and interconnectivity when certain activities might threaten the network's performance or security.

2. Security

2.1 System and Network Security

Violations of system and network security are prohibited, and may result in University, civil or criminal investigations and sanctions. readingConnect will investigate incidents involving such violations and will liaise with law enforcement agencies if a criminal violation is suspected. Examples of system or network security violation include, without limitation, the following:

• Unauthorised access or use of data, systems or networks including any attempt to probe, scan or test the vulnerability of a system or network or to breach security or authentication measures without the express authorisation of the owner of the system or network.
• Unauthorised monitoring of data or traffic on any network or system without the express authorisation of the owner of the system or network.
• Interference with service to any user, host or network including, without limitation, mail bombing, flooding, deliberate attempts to overload a system and broadcast attacks.
• Forging of any TCP-IP packet header or any part of the header information in an email or a newsgroup posting or similar communications.

2.2. Individual Security

Users of the readingConnect service are responsible for the security of their own computers. readingConnect reserves the right to disable the connection of any system which has been compromised and which presents a threat to other users of the managed network, the campus network, or the Internet.

3. Illegal Use

Services may only be used for lawful purposes under English law. Transmission, distribution or storage of any material in violation of any applicable law or regulation is prohibited. This includes, without limitation, material that is obscene, defamatory, material protected by copyright, trademark, a trade secret or other intellectual property right used without proper authorisation, or which exposes The University of Reading to a legal or reputational threat.

4. Server Hosting

Users may only run server-type services (e.g., web, file and printer sharing) on computers connected to the managed network where such services are being provided for the private and non-commercial use of other users on the managed network. Access to such services will be restricted to computers connected to readingConnect.

Hosting of any services on the managed network for commercial purposes is prohibited without prior approval from The University of Reading.

5. Email

Users may not send email to any users without reasonable grounds for believing the recipient(s) would wish to receive it. Users must refrain from sending further email to a user after receiving a request from the recipient to stop. A user may not use another site's email server to relay email without the express permission of the site.

Use of the managed network for sending bulk, unsolicited email messages (commercial or otherwise) is prohibited.

6. Usenet

Posting of the same or similar messages to one or more newsgroups (excessive cross-posting or multiple-posting, also known as "SPAM") or in any other way which is contrary to the charter of the newsgroups concerned is explicitly prohibited.

7. Network Monitoring

readingConnect does not routinely monitor the content of network traffic but certain usage logs are kept. If a breach of this Acceptable Use Policy is reported, monitoring may be part of its investigation as permitted by the regulations set out in the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (RIP) Act 2001. Access to the managed network is only provided on the condition that such monitoring is accepted.

8. Penalties

Failure to comply with this policy may lead to the instigation of disciplinary procedures under this Acceptable Use Policy and the Rules for the Use of University Computers and Data Network and in certain circumstances legal action may be taken.

The Rules for the Use of Computers and Data Networks at The University of Reading can be found under section G of the University Calendar. When joining the University you agreed to abide by these rules. These rules also apply to non-University members making use of University IT facilities and data networks.  These can be found here University Calendar

Any complaints regarding material stored or accessed by the services or about claimed infringement of this policy should be sent to abuse@readingconnect.net or reported to the readingConnect help service, telephone number, +44 (0) 118 378 4444, University extension 4444.