Terms of Use

§ 1 Scope of Application

These terms of use apply to the use and operation of IT facilities at the Department of Mathematics, including computers, peripherals, data lines, and data transfer infrastructure. The HU Berlin Computing Policy (Computerbetriebsordnung) is incorporated into these terms.

§ 2 Operation

1. The operator of the IT facilities is the Department of Mathematics. The implementation of all related measures is the responsibility of the Department’s IT group.
2. The IT group maintains the proper operation of the IT facilities in the central computer pools. Their tasks include:
   1. managing resources, technical systems, and user authorizations, as well as providing technical support for the facilities,
   2. regulating access to the central computer pools,
   3. implementing technical measures to comply with legal requirements, in particular data protection regulations,
   4. documenting hardware, software, and usage rules, and publishing them to ensure transparency of data processing.
3. The IT group is authorized to process and use personal data of users insofar as and as long as this is strictly necessary for operating the network. This applies in particular when there are concrete indications of serious violations of usage rules, or for the purpose of data backup. The scope and duration of processing must be coordinated with the data protection officer.

§ 3 Eligibility

1. The Institute network consists of all permanently interconnected data processing facilities.
2. Using the Institute network requires prior authorization.
3. Authorization is granted to:
   1. all employees of the Department of Mathematics for work-related purposes,
   2. students of Mathematics at HU Berlin in connection with their studies,
   3. students of other subjects attending courses at the Department of Mathematics, within the scope of those courses,
   4. other individuals on a case-by-case basis upon substantiated request, provided no significant interests of the Institute are opposed.
4. Authorization is granted upon written request. The request must include a declaration that the rules of this policy are accepted.

§ 4 Rules of Conduct

1. Time slots in the central computer pools may be reserved for practical exercises. These reservations are announced by posting in the respective room. Outside of reserved times, all users have equal access. Opening hours are set by the head of the IT group according to demand.
2. All users are permitted to make proper and responsible use of the IT facilities. Mutual consideration is a prerequisite for use. All legal requirements relating to the use of information technology must be observed, in particular data protection and copyright regulations.
3. Resources must be used economically. Unnecessarily occupying computers, excessive use of data transfer capacity to and from external sites, and use of computing power beyond what is required are prohibited. Unnecessary costs, in particular from data transfer and use of printers, are to be avoided.
4. Users are responsible for protecting their own data against unauthorized access within the technical and organizational means available to them.
5. Changes to the configuration of the Institute network – in particular the temporary connection of portable IT equipment to the network – require prior approval from the IT group.
6. Users must report any faults, damage, or errors affecting the Institute’s IT facilities to the IT group without delay.

§ 5 Prohibited Conduct

1. Notwithstanding applicable law, it is prohibited to use the IT facilities for content glorifying violence, pornographic material, or incitement to hatred in visual, audio, or written form. Content that discriminates based on gender, race, or religion is also prohibited.
2. Users are furthermore prohibited from:
   1. enabling unauthorized persons to access the Institute network, for example by sharing passwords,
   2. blocking computers in the computer pools beyond brief work breaks,
   3. smoking, eating, or drinking in the computer pools,
   4. causing avoidable noise when using the IT facilities,
   5. using the IT facilities to monitor other users, and
   6. processing personal data using Institute network facilities.

§ 6 Individual Provisions

Provisions of significant relevance to users must be published by posting in the relevant spaces. Provisions are considered significant in particular when they require or prohibit specific user behaviors.

§ 7 Sanctions

In the event of violations of these terms of use and supplementary provisions, the head of the IT group may temporarily suspend a user’s network access by technical means. Disciplinary measures, claims for damages, and criminal prosecution remain reserved. Formal objections against decisions of the IT group head are to be directed to the Director of the Mathematics Institute.

§ 8 Liability

The Institute is not liable for damages resulting from data loss, network outage, or computing errors.

§ 9 Entry into Force

These terms of use take effect upon their publication.