For the convenience of everyone at CERN, public PC terminals are provided in many different locations so that people can access CERN’s websites, as well as CERN’s other computing services, even if they do not have a computer/tablet/smartphone to hand. PC terminals are available in the CERN library, in front of the Users’ Office, and also for dedicated purposes in conference rooms and the training centre. However, note what they are: public PCs, located in public places.

In the past few months, we have received several complaints about inappropriate use of some of these public PCs, namely the browsing of pornographic material. To our knowledge, there is no professional need to access such websites, and therefore the browsing of pornographic images and films is in violation of the CERN Computing Rules and the personal use policy. Worse, these activities took place in public places where others, by-standers and passers-by, including school pupils and young children, might accidentally notice it – and feel embarrassed or seriously offended! This is why we got the complaints in the first instance.

So, if you happen to use one of CERN’s public PCs, please stick to the rules. Spare yourself the embarrassment of a third party seeing what you are doing (and spare yourself the embarrassment of getting a notification from us). This not only applies to browsing pornographic material, but also doing other private things: internet banking, following your friends on Facebook, reading your e-mails. Of course, this is also true for laptops and tablets used in public places like the restaurants and cafeterias. Browsing pornographic material on an office PC is also in violation of the CERN Computing Rules and we would appreciate it if private activities could remain in the private sphere: at home.

Do you want to learn more about computer security incidents and issues at CERN? Follow our Monthly Report. For further information, questions or help, visit our website or contact us at Computer.Security@cern.ch.