IT use
For most employees, IT equipment and systems are an important aspect of everyday life. These are tools that must be used responsibly.
KTH is a member of SUNET (Swedish University Computer Network), which has rules for the use of computer networks.
SUNET deems it to be unethical when someone:
- attempts to access network resources or other IT resources without having the right to do so
- attempts to disrupt or interfere with the intended use of the networks or connected IT resources
- attempts to damage or destroy computer-based information
- obviously wastes available resources (staff, hardware, or software)
- infringes on the privacy of others
- attempts to insult or humiliate others.
You must always follow the SUNET ethical rules. On the internet and in social media, you as a user must not behave in such a way that you cause unnecessary costs or poor reputation for KTH or any outsiders.
Learn more about rules, regulations, and IT use:
“Policy documents, literature, and online information”
.
Personal data – GDPR
The protection of the individual’s personal data has been enhanced by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). You must always be careful when handling personal data, making sure to comply with the GDPR as well as with the KTH rules. It is particularly important that you do not use, pass on, or search for protected personal data on your own or someone else’s behalf.
How do I know?
Always keep in mind that it is more difficult to communicate jokes and irony when using electronic communication, and that a message or an image can easily spread to an audience or a platform other than what was originally intended. Among other things, this means that you can rarely revise a statement, as it lives on without you being able to do anything about it.
- Therefore, you must always express yourself correctly, thoughtfully, and in a way that minimises the risk of being misunderstood.
- Avoid commenting on topics that you are not responsible for or familiar with. Instead, pass on questions to the right department/person.
- Always use a KTH account when representing KTH, so that the communication ends up in the KTH system and can be handled correctly, for example in connection with public document administration. When expressing your personal views, you must use a personal account – especially when it comes to issues outside your and KTH’s area of activity.
- Use the internet in an ethically responsible manner, and only download work-related material from trusted sites. You must not, for example, download applications from the internet onto your computer or visit websites that contain violence, racism, or pornography. Also, make sure that you have the right to publish the material you post, for example on a website.
- Equipment and systems used must always be up to date and well-maintained so as not to compromise confidentiality, accuracy, or availability – locally or externally. You must not lend KTH resources to any external party on your own initiative.
- You must always be careful when handling personal data, making sure to comply with the GDPR as well as with the KTH rules.
- Each area of activity must ensure that the correct contracts or agreements are in place in connection with, for example, research projects or procurements – these often contain requirements for confidentiality or data management.