Section 521.7. E-mail

(a) Use.

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), users shall engage E-mail solely to communicate for purposes directly related to the mission of an agency or entity and in furtherance of the duties and responsibilities of a user’s official capacity.

(2) In the interest of developing and maintaining electronic communication skills, users may, unless prohibited by an agency or entity policy, make limited, personal use of E-mail. Personal use may not be excessive and may not interfere with official use under subsection (a).

(b) Unacceptable use. Section 521.6(b) (relating to unacceptable use of service) applies to E-mail.

(c) Right of privacy negated. While Federal and State laws prohibit the interception of electronic communications, a user has no right of privacy regarding electronic communications stored on computers that are components of the service. Stored E-mail may be reviewed, read and otherwise accessed without notice to or the consent of a user.

(d) Insecure means of communication. Unless it is properly encrypted, E-mail is not a secure means for the transmission or receipt of confidential information.

(e) Communication style. A user shall communicate by E-mail in a professional, courteous manner that is consistent with the duties and responsibilities of a user’s official capacity.

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 101 Pa. Code § 521.6 (relating to unacceptable use of service).