GARR Network Acceptable Use Policy

Version approved by the GARR Board of Directors on November 6, 2017

• The Italian University and Research Network, commonly known as the “GARR Network,” is built on collaborative research and academic projects among Italian universities, schools, and public research institutions. As a result, the GARR Network service and other related services are primarily intended for the community associated with the Ministry of Education, University, and Research (MIUR). However, the service may also be extended to other entities, such as those affiliated with other Ministries that have a specific agreement with the GARR Consortium, or entities conducting research in Italy, especially, but not exclusively, non-profit organizations collaborating with the MIUR community. However, all GARR users must comply with the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) when using the Network and its services.
• The "GARR Network Service," hereinafter referred to as the "GARR Network," encompasses all the services related to internet connectivity, network management, applications, storage, computing, and all interoperability tools (operated directly or on behalf of the GARR Consortium) that enable authorized users to access the Network and communicate with one another (the national GARR Network). 
  The connections and telematic services that enable interconnection between the national GARR Network and other networks are also an integral part of the GARR Network.
• The following activities are not permitted on the GARR network:
  • providing network connectivity or other related services—such as housing, hosting, and similar services—to parties not authorized to access the GARR Network, or allowing data and/or information to transit on the GARR Network between two parties who are both unauthorized to access the GARR Network (third-party routing);
  • using Network services or resources, storage, or computing; connecting equipment, services, or software to the Network; spreading viruses, hoaxes, or other programs in a way that damages, harasses, or disrupts the activities of other people, users, or the services available on the GARR Network and those connected to it;
  • creating, transmitting, or storing (except for research purposes or otherwise in a properly controlled and legal manner) any image, data, or other material that is offensive, defamatory, obscene, indecent, or violates human dignity, especially if it pertains to sex, race, or creed;
  • sending unsolicited commercial and/or advertising material (“spamming”), or allowing one's resources to be used by third parties for this activity;
  • damaging, destroying, attempting to gain unauthorized access to data, or violating the privacy of other users, including intercepting or disseminating passwords, confidential cryptographic keys, and any other “personal data” as defined by privacy protection laws;
  • use the resources and tools provided by GARR primarily for commercial purposes when they are not ancillary to institutional activities;
  • engage in any other activity on the GARR Network that is prohibited by national or international law, as well as by the regulations and customs (“Netiquette”) governing the use of the networks and network services accessed.
• The responsibility for the content of materials produced and disseminated through the Network and its services lies with the individuals who create and distribute them. For individuals who are not yet of legal age, responsibility may also extend to those whom the law designates as guardians of the minors’ activities.
• Authorized entities (AEs) with access to the GARR Network, as defined in the document “Rules for Access to the GARR Network,” may use the Network and its services for all their institutional activities. Institutional activities are defined as all activities related to fulfilling the tasks outlined in the authorized entity's bylaws, including activities within the scope of agreements or arrangements approved by the respective competent bodies, provided the use is for institutional purposes. In particular, institutional activities include research, teaching, the administrative functions of entities and between entities authorized for access, and research activities on behalf of third parties, excluding all cases explicitly not permitted by this document. 
  Other entities granted temporary access to the Network (S.A.T.) may only perform the activities specified in their authorization. 
  The final decision on whether an activity is permissible on the GARR Network remains the prerogative of the GARR Consortium's Governing Bodies.
• All users granted access to the GARR Network and its services must be recognized and identifiable. Therefore, all measures must be implemented to prevent access by unidentified users. As a general rule, users must be employees of the entity authorized, even temporarily, to access the GARR Network. 
  As for entities authorized to access the GARR Network (S.A.), users may also include individuals temporarily authorized by these entities through an employment relationship for institutional purposes. Students who are formally enrolled in a course at an authorized entity with access to the GARR Network are eligible users.
• Entities authorized to access the GARR Network, even temporarily, are responsible for taking all reasonable steps to ensure their policies align with those outlined here and to prevent any unauthorized use of the GARR Network. Each entity with access to the GARR Network must also inform its users (by the means it deems appropriate) of the rules contained in this document.
• Entities authorized to access the GARR Network and its services, even temporarily, explicitly agree that their names (name of the organization, company name, or equivalent) may be included in an electronic directory maintained by the GARR Consortium's Governing Bodies.
• In the event of proven non-compliance with these rules for using the Network and its services, the Governing Bodies of the GARR Consortium will take appropriate measures necessary to restore the Network's proper functioning, including the temporary or permanent suspension of access to the GARR Network itself.
• Access to the GARR Network and its services is contingent upon full acceptance of the rules outlined in this document.