Selecting the "WebChat usage statistics" link allows you access to the utilization
information for each of the WebChat rooms.
Monitoring & Auditing: ISMC has the responsibility
for monitoring and auditing WebChat channels, and retains copies of WebChat traffic for
historical and legal purposes. Although the ISMC has the responsibility for monitoring, it is
an ISMC policy to minimize the time spent by ISMC personnel on the WebChat channels.
Therefore, contrary to popular opinion, the ISMC does not maintain a continuous real-time
monitoring watch on WebChat channels. Thus, the ISMC does not "moderate" WebChat discussions
in real time.
Furthermore, even when this monitoring does happen to occur in real time or near real time,
the ISMC monitoring may not visible in the WebChat "Recent Users" list because ISMC personnel
have direct access to the WebChat files and may use tools other than a web browser to monitor
and review WebChat activity.
Restricting & Banning: The ISMC reserves the right to limit
the use of the WebPages. A READ ONLY mode or WebPage Ban can be implemented to
limit the use of the WebPages. If a manager of an organization desires a
restricted (read-only) or ban mode for one or more individuals in that
organization, please contact the ISMC via e-mail at ismc@ismc.ic.gov and list all E-Mail
addresses which should be restricted.
Managers may also contact the ISMC by phone (STU-III if OCONUS) to DSN 644-1800
or commercial 301-688-1800 or NSTS 964-4762 to discuss this issue.
When an individual violates WebChat policy, that person is placed in "read-only" or "banned"
status. There is no requirement
for ISMC personnel to issue any warnings prior to taking action. ISMC personnel are
instructed to record notes of any such action so that ISMC Management may
inform the user's supervisor of the reasons for the action, and the corrective
actions required from the user before WebChat service is restored.
ISMC policy on WebChat read-only and ban restorations is that restoration will
only be done
- After the person with Supervisory responsibilty for the
individual(s) involved (military: NCO E-7 or HIGHER, civilian: Division Chief or HIGHER)
has contacted the ISMC, preferably via e-mail to ismc@ismc.ic.gov, to explain
what actions has been taken to correct the problem that caused the restriction.
- ISMC Management has reviewed and accepted that explanation.
WebChat capability cannot be restored without ISMC Management approval.
The ISMC watch does not have the authority to remove a restriction or ban
once it has been made.
The above procedure must be followed to lift all restrictions and bans.
Only the Supervisor of the restricted user should contact the ISMC.
Argumentative communications from the restricted user are not appropriate and will
not prove effective. The ISMC will not respond to "Why was I banned"
communications from the user. The ISMC will respond only to the Supervisor
of the restricted user
The Federal Records Act: This act requires agencies to create,
maintain, and properly dispose of records that document the policies, transactions, and activities
of the Federal Government. "Records" are defined generally as all written or electronic
documentary materials created or received by a Federal agency under Federal law or in
connection with the transaction of public business and preserved or appropriate for
preservation because of their historical, legal, fiscal, administrative or other
informational value.
If your Chat qualifies as an official record, you are responsible for printing the
material and retaining it in your office's filing system. If printing is not an option,
the author should incorporate the gist of the record in a hard-copy memorandum that can
be retained.
- Whisper Mode: The whisper mode of WebChat has been removed. For details, see
The Removal of Whisper mode from WebChat.
