Use of Government Computers (May 03)

Below are excerpts from 5 FAM 723 and 724

"The rules for the private use of government computers have recently been updated and revised, and are contained in 5 FAM 723. Very briefly, you may use your computer for private matters and access to the Internet so long as it doesn't cost the Department anything and you do it on personal time. There are several self-evident prohibited activities, such as gambling, sending chain letters, accessing sexually explicit material, running a business and lobbying your Congressman. As you know, you also have no expectation of privacy. "

At the same time the conditions under which monitoring and auditing of an individuals e-mail can take place have been codified. These are in 5 FAM 724. 'Continuous monitoring' takes place all the time, usually at the firewall, and is designed to pick up usage patterns and keywords. "Auditing", however is a more detailed inspection of an employee's e-mail account which must be approved by a "reviewing" official. Overseas this official must be the DCM or Principal Officer, domestically it must be the Office Director or higher, or the Bureau Executive Director."