The Texas Nationalist Movement (TNM) is committed to ensuring that all internet communications are conducted in a secure, professional, and responsible manner. These guidelines are designed to prevent illegal or abusive use of internet communications that may adversely impact the TNM or its resources. They also outline the acceptable use of internet communications within the organization.
Internet Communication Guidelines
Security
- Understand the level of security for all electronically communicated information.
- When sending sensitive material electronically, verify that all recipients are authorized to receive such information and ensure the transfer mechanism is secure. The transfer of sensitive information may be more secure in written/printed format than through an electronic message.
- No system of communications is completely secure, including e-mail. E-mail messages cannot be sent anonymously. Messages can also be quickly and easily copied and forwarded inappropriately.
- Organizational information must not be made available on the internet or any external system without permission from the department responsible for that information.
Access
- Restrict usage to TNM officers and other authorized persons.
- As with all TNM assets, only TNM officers and other authorized persons may use the network to send or view communications. Family members or other unauthorized persons may not use the TNM network.
Responsible Use
- Maintain professionalism. Every TNM officer who uses a Texas Nationalist e-mail address is responsible for ensuring messages are professional, businesslike, and have the organization’s best interests in mind. Assume that whatever you write may at some time be made public.
- These guidelines apply to personal expressions as well. Your responsibility extends beyond confidential or classified information to include personal viewpoints. If messages sent to external sources are taken out of context or misinterpreted, they can have an unplanned and negative impact on the TNM or be misconstrued as official TNM endorsements or statements.
- Do not communicate or store inappropriate content. If you want to send a message via e-mail and are unsure about its sensitivity, review the message with a superior officer. Communicating any material which falls into any of the following categories is unacceptable:
- Any form of a “chain” letter.
- Sexually explicit or suggestive material, particularly pornographic material that violates applicable law.
- Material that expresses or promotes discriminatory attitudes based upon religion, gender, age, nationality, or other groups.
- Software used for “hacking” or “cracking” internal or external computer systems such as viruses, mail bombs, and the like.
- Harassment or threats.
- Business activities unrelated to TNM business.
- Messages that intentionally misrepresent the identity of the sender.
- Material that is illegal in other ways.
- Material that persons of reasonable sensibility may find personally offensive or inappropriate.
Remember, if you wouldn’t want something read by a TNM officer, the media, or in a court of law — don’t write it.
Checking Email & Messages
TNM officers are required to check their email on a frequent and consistent basis to ensure they are staying current with all official communications, some of which are time-sensitive.
Liability
If the organization becomes legally liable for an information breach due to negligence or a failure to maintain the organization’s guidelines, the person responsible will assume full liability for said breach.
