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| From this page, you can read the Code of Conduct in it's entirety, just by scrolling down. You can also use this page to PRINT it all from, if required, or you can download it as a Word or PDF document |
Your use of the free online interactive services offered at this site is conditional upon your acceptance and observance of the following "Code of Conduct". This comprises the text of the mc² sections linked below, plus the relevant sections of the Vicnet and State Government sites:
Vicnet reserves the right to alter the Code of Conduct at any time, without notice.
By continuing to use mc², you agree to be bound by the latest changes.
Last updated: 8 November 2007
It is the responsibility of the mc² Group Owner/Moderators to ensure that they and their members do not break the Code of Conduct in any way, including, but not limited to:
Vicnet reserves the right to alter the Code of Conduct at any time, without notice. By continuing to use mc², you agree to be bound by the latest changes.
It is the responsibility of mc² users to have read the most up-to-date Code of Conduct on the mc² site at: mc2.vicnet.net.au/code and Privacy Policy at mc2.vicnet.net.au/privacy
mc² is coordinated by Vicnet, so, where applicable, the Vicnet Terms & Conditions also apply to mc², as does the Vicnet Acceptable Use Policy and Vicnet Disclaimer. These may change without notice. It is the responsibility of all users of mc² to be aware of the latest changes to these documents.
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Note that mc² is only to be used in the spirit in which it is intended: as a resource to establish genuine and viable communities of members, interacting regularly online. Groups should not be established with the sole aim of promoting another Website (i.e., with few members or discussion, just a link to another site), nor just as a way to get extra free webspace for an individual.
Online groups created at this site must be community-based groups, and have perceived interest, value or relevance to the people of Victoria, Australia. Other groups may be removed. Community based groups include special interest groups such as sporting clubs or hobby groups, support groups, not-for-profit organisations, local government entities, state government agencies and peak bodies. mc² also works with Project Partners to target specific sectors of the Victorian community:
mc² is a non-commercial webspace. It is not intended that any group or individual use mc² services solely for commercial gain or business purposes. mc² does not allow the use of the webpage generator, hosting, or any other services or features for commercial purposes. For example, as a free vehicle for sales or promotion of products or services; or onselling the freely provided mc² services etc. If you have a commercial interest or business, you may contact us for clarification.
Advertising material (e.g. banner ads) or promotion of commercial activities (e.g. links to commercial sites) are permitted on your web site and/or in your community, however, as long as your organisation or content is not developed solely for commercial gain. E.g. a non-profit organisation can recognise and acknowledge their sponsors, or endeavour to promote its fundraising activities. Be aware, however, that excessive commercial content can detract from the value of your community message. Note also, that any attempt by a purely commercial organisation to profit from the free resources provided at mc², may result in the removal of such content, without notice. If you are unsure, contact us for clarification.
To use mc², you must complete the registration process by providing us with current, complete and accurate information as prompted by the Registration Form and nominating a login and password (Registration Data).See also Security: Logging in & Out. You agree to maintain and update this Registration Data as required to keep it current, complete and accurate. E.g. if you change your email address, you must update it via My Profile.
Each person is allowed only one login. Each login must represent a real (not fictitious) entity. Bogus, fake, dummy, inappropriate or duplicate logins, and all associated groups and data, will be removed without notice.
It is a requirement that all owners of Groups/Communities at mc² maintain a current email address as a contact point, visible on the Group Info page. This address may be used by both potential members wishing to join a group, as well as by mc² staff who need to contact a group owner, e.g. to inform them their group is about to be removed as inactive.
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For quality control purposes, mc² Staff also reserve the right to remove without notice any community that allows its members to breach the Code of Conduct including, but not limited to:
What sort of content is inappropriate? Material usually referred to as pornography, adult content, violence, hate, aggression, racism, gambling, warez or copyright violation, etc. Also material of blatantly commercial nature, get-rich-quick schemes, temporary or half-finished sites etc. This material, and any links to it, will be removed without notice.
Regarding defamation allegations, Vicnet will take down content on the basis that it may contain material allegations which may be actionable and inappropriate, in accordance with our obligations under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, schedule 5.
mc² is funded by the Victorian Government of Australia. Whilst people can join mc² groups from anywhere in the world, all groups formed must be relevant to Australians. Content or groups with no perceived interest, value or relevance to the Victorian community in Australia may be removed, without notice.
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Consequently, to ensure the continued efficient functioning of mc², and to preserve bandwidth and webspace for all users; mc² staff reserve the right to impose a limit on the maximum permissible file size and to remove without notice, files exceeding this limit; or any file using excessive bandwidth. The current maximum permissible individual filesize is 3Mb, but as this may change (according to available bandwidth), users should check the current limit on the advanced help page: Can't upload/post a large file?.
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The owner of any groups or communities at mc² must be an adult (18+ years), even if the group is established for the use of young people. Any group behaving irresponsibly or owned by a minor is subject to removal, without notice, by Vicnet &/or mc² staff.
Children who use mc² must be supervised at all times. Be aware that if children post images of themselves, school records, their address, or any other identifying information, it could potentially be used against them in a harmful manner, e.g. by paedophiles. Note that whilst Internet Content Hosts (ICHs) (such as Vicnet) are not required to actively review, monitor or classify the content hosted on their service, they have an obligation to report material they have reasonable grounds to believe is child pornography or child abuse material to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) - see Attorney-General's Department. As detailed in the Disclaimer, the My Connected Community Secretariat accepts no responsibility for the behaviour of individuals who access any of the interactive features of the mc² website, including any chat room. This includes any liability in respect of their actions, comments and/or opinions, which are solely their own and not those of Vicnet. |
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As mc² is a multi-purpose community Website, some groups may contain content only suitable for adults. Group owners should indicate this on the Group Info page, and make the group Members Only.
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The rules of politeness & acceptable behaviour on the Internet... Internet chat and online communication via email, Forums etc. is mostly a very enjoyable experience. It allows you to meet many people from all countries around the world. This is a place to make new friends or simply talk on subjects which interest you. You are expected to follow simple guidelines as to how you present your views appropriately. Respecting others, and becoming familiar with the set conventions, will make your online experience a lot easier and more enjoyable. |
Talking in a chat room is like walking into a room full of strangers, so the normal social conventions apply. You wouldn't normally run in shouting, swearing and being abusive, so make sure you don't here either.
Be polite, welcome people entering the chat room or introduce yourself to those already in there. You can also tell others a little about yourself via a Guestbook entry or your personal webpage. You don't necessarily need to use proper punctuation or capital letters in a chat room, but be aware that typing everything in CAPITAL LETTERS means SHOUTING. Be careful you don't accidentally hit the Caps Lock key.
Differences of opinion are normal, and vibrant, robust discussion can be stimulating, but don't descend to personal attacks or react in an angry or impulsive manner. The key to good Netiquette is respect:
If anyone gets carried away and breaks any of the rules, it is the responsibility of the Community Owner to eject them from the chat room or even ban them from that community. mc² and Vicnet also reserve the right to ban or suspend anyone from using mc² for inappropriate or offensive behaviour, or anyone in breach of the Code of Conduct.
You must not use mc² for any purpose that is unlawful or prohibited by this Code of Conduct. All users of mc² must not use mc² or Vicnet services, directly or indirectly, to:
I.e., in addition to upholding this Code of Conduct, you are responsible for adhering to all local and national laws that pertain to your location.
Regarding Online Safety e.g. for Kids in Chat Rooms, see:
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To use all the interactive features of this site, you need to register as a member of mc². In this process, you may need to provide us with your email address, so you should be aware of our Privacy Policy. |
With whom may your information be shared? Your email address will be visible to all other members of any mc² group you join. It will also be attributed to any messages you post, and may be used by mc² project staff to contact you, from time-to-time. We won't share your information with third parties interested in e-mailing you promotional offer e-mails.
As a general rule, mc² will not disclose any of your personally identifiable information except when we have your permission or under special circumstances, such as when we believe in good faith that the law requires it.
mc² staff do not routinely monitor the details of individual members, or the content of mc² communities or chat sessions. Appropriate staff do, however, retain the right to access all data stored on the mc² server(s); though this is only carried out for technical, statistical or administrative purposes; or when assisting members who have specifically requested help.
All mc² email (and any files transmitted with it) is CONFIDENTIAL and intended only for members of the mc² group it is directly addressed to. Members must not refer to the contents outside the group, or forward on any part of the email to non-members.
If you receive an email or associated files (attachments) in error, or are not the intended recipient, you must not use, disclose, copy, store, distribute or rely on any information or advice contained therein. Any confidentiality or privilege is not waived or lost because an email has been sent to you in error. Please notify the sender immediately, advise the Vicnet Help Desk, then delete the email and any attachments.
Any personal or sensitive information contained in mc² webpages, email and attachments must be handled in accordance with the Victorian Information Privacy Act 2000, the Health Records Act 2001 or the Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth), as applicable.
If mc² staff or group owners or moderators become aware that a member has breached confidentiality, they may then remove the offender from the group, or ask mc² staff to ban them from using mc² entirely. It is the role of the group owners and moderators to ensure that group members behave responsibly, and are aware of, and abide by, the Code of Conduct.
Read the detailed Privacy Policy
See also: Code of Conduct re Email Use
EmailNote that information contained in mc² email (and attachments) must legally be handled in accordance with Privacy Acts. If you are not the intended recipient you must not use, disclose, copy, store, distribute or rely on any information or advice contained in mc² email or any attachment(s). See the Privacy section of this Code of Conduct for more information, as well as the mc² Privacy Policy.
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All users of mc² must NOT use mc² or Vicnet services to:
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You must not use mc² for any purpose that is unlawful or prohibited by the Code of Conduct. |
Specifically, all users of mc² must not use Vicnet or mc² Sites/Services, directly or indirectly, to:
Viruses or trojans
In addition to upholding this Code of Conduct, you are responsible for adhering to all local and national laws that pertain to your location.
You may not use Vicnet or mc² Sites/Services in any manner that could damage, disable, overburden, or impair them (or any network(s) connected to them); or interfere with any other party's use and enjoyment.
For more legal information users are referred to the following sites:
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Impersonating a Vicnet or mc² employee, agent, manager, technician, host, or another member is forbidden. If you wish to create an mc² Group/Community or Webpage in the name of an already existing organisation, you must have legitimate authority to use or associate an organisations name and/or logo with your online activity. I.e. you cannot publish online in an official capacity (seemingly speaking on behalf of an organisation), unless authorised to do so by the organisation concerned. You must not use mc² to mislead, deceive or defraud. See also: Illegal Activities. Be aware that most organisations will not allow use of their images or logo without specific permission. See also: Copyright. |
| © | All users of mc² must respect the intellectual property rights of others. Nobody is allowed to use mc² or Vicnet services to breach any copyright or laws by uploading, storing, broadcasting, transmitting, publishing or delivering any information, in any format [text, images, audio, video etc.]. Material that is known to breach copyright will be removed without notice. |
Regarding your own content, copyright protection is free and automatic. It is not ideas, but their expression, that are protected by copyright law. The intention is that nobody should profit unfairly from the work of others, by stealing and reproducing their work, then passing it off as their own. Thus copyright protection provides an incentive for creators to continue to create new materials.
Australian Copyright law automatically protects intellectual property. This means that if you create a webpage, or upload a document or images, that are stored &/or published on the mc² server; you still own the copyright. It is not automatically assumed by mc² or group owners.
mc² does not claim ownership of the materials you provide. However, by posting, uploading, inputting, providing or otherwise submitting content, you are granting mc² permission to use it as appropriate, including publishing your name in connection with your submission. This includes the license rights for mc² to make it available to others, in accordance with the functionality of the mc² website.
Your work may be accessed by other members of the group, or, indeed, by the public [in the case of a "Public" group or webpage], but copyright is still held by the original author, so permission would need to be sought before anyone else can reproduce any work, which should still be attributed to the originator.
Note that mc² staff and group owners & moderators do, however, have a right to remove anything if necessary by law, or if it breaks the Code of Conduct.
Vicnet retains copyright of all of the mc² website that is directly created by its staff and contractors, e.g. photos, text of Help pages, mc² programming code etc. (excluding the contents of members individual webspace and communities, as referred to above).
Copyright of mc² training materials also resides with Vicnet. No portion may be reproduced or altered without written consent of Vicnet. Apart from fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under copyright legislation, no part may be reproduced or used for any commercial purposes whatsoever.
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We take all reasonable precautions to ensure that data stored on the mc² server(s) is secure. However, it is not possible to guarantee the absolute security of anything on the Internet. You should be aware that there are always risks in transmitting or storing information electronically. We recommend that you think very carefully before posting anything anywhere on the Internet that is highly confidential or sensitive - there can be no such thing as total security. |
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Each user is uniquely identified by their login details. Users nominate these during the initial mc² registration process, by choosing their own login and password. Each individual is allowed a maximum of 2 separate logins. Additional logins will be deleted.
To protect your account, we need to confirm your identity, so each time you use mc², you must login. This enables the system to correctly identify you and present you, and only you, with access to your personal information (My Office, My Profile) and group membership details (My Communities etc.).
Some features are only be available to Group Members (e.g. in Members Only groups), so you need to login to access them. See: Public / Read Only / Members Only Groups
Don't want to login? Then think about this - the login process is not only a requirement of using mc², it is a safeguard to verify who you are, and protects your privacy! You can login as an anonymous Guest, but this only gives you access to very limited features. See Guest Login for details.
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If you are using a public or shared computer, you may also wish to clear the history and close your browser window when you leave the keyboard. For more details, see: using a public or shared computer
For security purposes, you will automatically be logged out after approximately 2 hours of inactivity. To resume usage, just login again. This provides a level of security, e.g. for shared locations, where other users could access your data or operate as you online, if you leave the machine unattended for a period of time, and have forgotten to log out first.
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Extra password protection is available for the chatroom, on request [to reduce the risk of non-members using third party software, e.g. mIRC, as a "back door" to enter the chatroom].
mc² users must not compromise security by making anyone aware of any passwords. Anyone found breaching security will be banned from using mc². Group owners can request mc² staff to change chatroom passwords if they suspect that there is any security breach.
To increase security for your webspace, you can use the "password protection" facility for folders/directories in the "Group Files" area [where owners/moderators store files], as well as on your own "My Files" area. If you do not password protect your files, they may be found and accessed by Search Engines, such as Google. Vicnet also offers an 
.htpasswd encoder for encrypting passwords
Also be aware that not all viruses can be detected and cleaned. There is a risk involved whenever you access the Internet, or download email and attachments to your computer, or send email attachments to others, and that, as stated in the Liability section, neither mc² nor Vicnet are responsible for any damages caused by your decision to do so.
For more detailed info, see the section on Viruses
Any Australian may complain to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) about illegal or offensive Internet content at the ACMA's website. The ACMA investigates complaints to assess whether the content is 'prohibited' as defined in Schedule 5 to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.
Regarding defamation allegations, Vicnet will take down content on the basis that it may contain material allegations which may be actionable and inappropriate, in accordance with our obligations under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, schedule 5.
Users of Internet Explorer can change various basic browser settings to control what Web content is displayed, in an attempt to protect children from accessing adult content. Go to the Tools menu and select Internet Options then Content &/or Security. For more comprehensive solutions, however, you will need to purchase and install some form of content filtering software.
See also: Code of Conduct re Children
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Web content filtering software can "block" access to known pornographic Web sites and other objectionable content (such as racist and profane Web sites). Some filtering software will also block access to other online resources, such as Web-based chat forums and certain newsgroups, and prevent file downloads. Note, however, that no product is perfect - some sites will be unintentionally blocked, whilst some slip through that shouldn't. Filtering Software is no substitute for education, personal judgement and parental supervision. To ensure safe-surfing, you should also instal, run and frequently update a virus checking program on your computer. |
There are various ways to attempt to filter out adult content on the Web. However, this raises some issues:
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See: Content Regulation & Safe Surfing Software in the mc² Links Section for filtering software and content regulation websites |
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All responsibility for the content of each community at mc² lies with the Community Owners/Moderators, who have administrative rights to edit and delete the contents of their own online community.
Community Owners/Moderators are required to agree to and uphold this Code of Conduct before creating any online group at mc² and are liable for all group activities and content. Owners & Moderators are also required to ban from their areas any members who violate this Code of Conduct, and must remove any offensive or inappropriate content. |
Vicnet / mc² staff do not routinely monitor or review live chat sessions. It is the responsibility of the owner/moderators of each community to do this. Be aware that although the dialogue in chat sessions is not routinely recorded by mc² staff, the technology exists for individual users to log the content of chat sessions. Any log or transcript of a chat session is CONFIDENTIAL and intended only for members of the mc² group in which the chat occurred. See Keeping a record of the Chat
Vicnet accepts no responsibility whatsoever for the behaviour of individuals who access any of the interactive features of the mc² site, including any chat room. This includes any liability in respect of their actions, comments and/or opinions, which are solely their own and not those of Vicnet.
You are responsible for any actions you may take based on advice or information you receive online.
The content of the mc² website, and any opinions expressed by mc² members in associated mc² communities, webpages or emails, are provided for information purposes only, and do not constitute formal legal or medical advice. You are advised to seek professional advice before acting on any information provided here. Information is provided on the basis that all persons accessing the site undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content.
Use your own judgment when evaluating information provided through any communication service, and remember that the information provided could be from people at any age and experience level. The decision to conduct transactions is your own and you should perform your own research prior to making any decisions.
See also: Links Disclaimer
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No responsibility is taken for any information or services that may appear on any linked web sites, which are provided for your information only. Whilst every attempt is made to link to appropriate sites, Vicnet and mc² cannot guarantee the safety or suitability of any external site, the content of which is outside of our control, and subject to change without notice. |
The appearance of links to other websites from this site, does not imply endorsement or support by mc², nor by Vicnet nor any of our respective employees and contracted workers; for the products, services, aims, policies or practices of any of these organisations. We can't vouch for the currency or accuracy of the links or quality of information on these third party external sites. No liability can be accepted, nor responsibility taken, for their content. Any comments, views or opinions expressed are those of their respective authors, and are not necessarily endorsed by, or reflect those of mc², or Vicnet, or any of our respective employees and workers.
All links provided on the mc² Website are for your information only - they should not be relied upon solely, and do not constitute formal legal or medical advice. You are advised to seek professional advice before acting on any information provided.
An example of links to other sites is the page of Emergency Contacts to organisations there to help in times of personal crisis. mc² also provides a page of Links to Other Online Resources (Third-Party Websites).
We cannot accept any responsibility for information which is inadvertently incorrect and / or where action has been taken as a result of information anywhere on the mc² site or any site it links to.
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Help with Links:
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Vicnet and mc² will not be liable to you in respect of any loss or damage which may be suffered or incurred by you, or which may arise either directly or indirectly, or in respect of your use of the mc² Website &/or Services. |
To the extent permitted by law, mc² shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special, consequential damages or any damages whatsoever including, without limitation, damages for loss of use, data or profits, arising out of or in any way connected with the use or performance of the Service, with the delay or inability to use the Service, the provision of or failure to provide Services, or for any information, software, products, services and related graphics obtained through the Service, or otherwise arising out of the use of the Service; whether based on contract, tort, negligence, strict liability or otherwise, even if Vicnet or mc² has been advised of the possibility of damages.
Without limitation, Vicnet and mc² will not be liable to you for losses arising directly or indirectly from any:
Vicnet makes no express representations about the suitability reliability, availability, timeliness, and accuracy of the mc² Service for any purpose. The Service is provided "as is" and "as available", and to the extent permitted by law, Vicnet hereby disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to the Service, including all implied warranties and conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title and non-infringement.
You agree to indemnify and hold Vicnet and mc², officers and employees, harmless from any claims, actions, applications, arbitration, causes of action, complaints, costs, debts due, demands, terminations, enquiries, judgments and verdicts, at law, in equity or arising under any statute or award (including legal costs), by any third party due to or arising out of your use of or conduct on the Service, including, without limitation, any breach of the Code of Conduct.
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| mc² Code of Conduct available in these formats  Webpage |
 Adobe PDF (filesize: 195Kb) |
 MS Word (filesize: 116Kb) |
 Zipped Word File (filesize: 37Kb) |
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