Acceptable Use Policy

Policy Objectives

In order to protect Wikimedia UK information assets and information systems, this Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is in place to protect both Wikimedia UK and individual staff members. It defines how systems and infrastructure are to be accessed and utilised in an approved manner, which aligns with the values and professional standards of Wikimedia UK.

The Acceptable Use Policy is designed to ensure that individuals are made aware of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour so that they do not expose either Wikimedia UK or themselves to risks or consequential actions or liabilities, either knowingly or accidentally.

Policy Scope

Wikimedia UK Acceptable Use Policy shall apply to the following:

• All employees, contractors and third party users of Wikimedia UK information assets, information systems and other resources provided by Wikimedia UK  for the purpose of conducting its business activities. Specifically anyone needing to access the Wikimedia UK Shared Drive (Google Drive) or Wikimedia UK Systems must sign to accept the Terms of this Policy before being given any such access.

Policy Statements

General Statements

• Wikimedia UK information assets shall receive a classification according to their sensitivity: this classification shall determine how the information asset is to be managed, processed, stored, protected and disposed of.
• Information systems and other Wikimedia UK resources are provided primarily for authorised Wikimedia UK purposes only. Reasonable personal use of Wikimedia UK equipment and resources shall be permitted, in accordance with this Acceptable Use Policy and Line Manager approval.
• Under no circumstances shall users use information systems to access Wikimedia UK information assets other than for legitimate business activities. Users shall not access, download, modify, copy, delete or transmit Wikimedia UK information other than in strict adherence to policies and processes which relate to legitimate activities which relate to Wikimedia UK’s work.
• Under no circumstances shall users engage in activities which interfere with the legitimate access or activities of other authorised users, or engage in denying service to others.
• Under no circumstances shall users be permitted to engage in any activity that is illegal under international, national or local laws or regulations including any Data Protection/ Privacy legislation. Should there be any conflict between such legislation and any part of this Acceptable Use Policy, this shall be referred to Senior Management as soon as possible for investigation and resolution.
• Acceptable use prohibits users from accessing, creating, processing, downloading, storing or communicating any material that is “offensive” in nature, which, for clarity, includes anything that contains:
  • Inappropriate sexual images, language or suggestive behaviour
  • Offensive racial or ethnic commentary or opinions
  • Inappropriate or offensive gender-specific commentary or opinions
  • Offensive or derogatory comments about one or more persons: Age, Sexual orientation, Religious beliefs, Political beliefs, National or ethnic origin, disability.