Acceptable Use Policy
1. INTRODUCTION
This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") is intended to help safeguard and enhance the use of government web sites by prohibiting unacceptable use and informing users about this policy and the laws of Maryland related to unauthorized access and denial of service attacks. All users must comply with this AUP. Violations of the AUP may result in suspension or termination of service. Violations of the law may result in prosecution.
The web sites and internet accessible systems provided by Maryland state agencies are herein defined as the "services."
Usage information is collected to help us improve the services and to help enforce the AUP.
2. VIOLATIONS OF THE ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
The following constitute violations of this AUP:
a. Network disruptions and unfriendly activity. Using the services for any activity which adversely affects the ability of other people or systems to use the services or the Internet is prohibited. This includes "denial of service" (DoS) attacks against the State network, any network host or individual user. This also includes running "scripts" or using robots or other automated means to query, capture or download from the systems.
b. Fraudulent activity. Using the services to collect personal information about third parties to make fraudulent offers to sell or buy products, items, or services, or to advance any type of financial scam such as "pyramid schemes," "Ponzi schemes," etc. or to commit identity theft or to perpetrate any other type of fraud is prohibited.
c. Unauthorized access. Using the services to access, or to attempt to access systems in a manner inconsistent with this AUP or to penetrate, or attempt to penetrate, government agency security measures or another entity's computer software or hardware, electronic communications system,or telecommunications system, whether or not the intrusion results in the corruption or loss of data is prohibited. This is also a violation of the law and violators may be prosecuted (section 7-302 of the Criminal Code, Annotated Code of Maryland).
d. Copyright or trademark infringement. Using the services to acquire or transmit any material that infringes any copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, or other proprietary rights is prohibited.
e. Threats and harassment. Using the services to transmit any material (by email, uploading, posting, or otherwise) that threatens or encourages bodily harm or destruction of property or that harasses another is prohibited.
f. Traffic limitations and multiple logins Using a personal account for high volume downloads is prohibited. Login user name and passwords are given to individuals or individuals within organizations to access the services. All persons accessing the system shall acquire their own username and password. Users may not attempt to download large amounts of data and images not related to their immediate research needs.
The Archives' intrusion protection system flags accounts displaying activity that may adversely affect the ability of other people to access or use the system. While users may access the system as required for their immediate research purposes, the use of MdLandRec.net accounts for high volume downloads is specifically prohibited. Individuals or companies whose research requires the download of significant portions of any volume available through the system may purchase. For more information about data downloads, you may contact msa.helpdesk@maryland.gov
3. REPORTING OF VIOLATIONS
For websites under the management of the Maryland State Archives (MSA) we request that anyone who believes that there is a violation of this AUP direct the information to msa.helpdesk@maryland.gov
If available, please provide the following information:
- The IP address used to commit the alleged violation
- The date and time of the alleged violation, including the time zone or offset from GMT
- Evidence of the alleged violation
MSA may take any one or more of the following actions in response to complaints:
- issue warnings: written or verbal
- suspend the user's privileges
- suspend the user's account
- terminate the user's account
- bring legal action to enjoin violations and/or to collect damages, if any, caused by violations
- request appropriate law enforcement entity to prosecute
4. REVISIONS TO THIS ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
MSA reserves the right to revise, amend, or modify this AUP or our other policies and agreements at any time and in any manner. Notice of any revision, amendment, or modification will be posted on our website.
5. QUESTIONS
Questions regarding this Acceptable Use Policy can be directed to msa.helpdesk@maryland.gov
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This web site is presented for reference purposes under the doctrine of fair use. When this material is used, in whole or in part, proper citation and credit must be attributed to the Maryland State Archives. PLEASE NOTE: The site may contain material from other sources which may be under copyright. Rights assessment, and full originating source citation, is the responsibility of the user. |
© Copyright December 15, 2023 Maryland State Archives