Linking policy for DIS Web sites
Contact: Assistant Director, Interactive Technologies
6.2.3.1 Purpose
This policy recognizes that it may be necessary to include links on the DIS Web site to Web sites outside DIS' control. The purpose of this policy is to clearly state that the DIS Web site is not a public forum for communication and debate. Links to external Web sites from the DIS pages are established and retained at the DIS' discretion. This policy also provides guidelines on when links to external sources are inappropriate.
The Purpose of the DIS Web site is to promote public service to citizens and businesses by:
- Expanding business and citizen access to government services and government information;
- Offering an easy and convenient process to conduct online transactions with State government;
- Accelerating the delivery of quality online government services;
- Improving the level of customer service from State government; and
- Extending online government services to all citizens in Washington State.
6.2.3.2 Definitions
"DIS Web site," and "DIS Web pages" shall mean Web pages whose content is under the direction and control of DIS. (These terms do not include intranet sites controlled or operated by DIS.) These sites are not a forum for public communication and debate. The criteria outlined in this Policy have been established to ensure that the DIS Web site remains a non-public forum.
"Purpose" shall mean the purpose of the DIS Web site stated in this policy, Section 1.1.
"External Web site" shall mean all Web Sites other than the DIS Web site.
6.2.3.3 Applicability
This policy applies to the DIS Web site. Links to the following types of Web pages may be included in the DIS Web site:
- Other Governmental Units & Educational Institutions - DIS may provide links to other federal, state, and local governmental units and educational institutions that provide additional services and information that DIS Web site users may find of interest.
- Private Organizations - DIS may provide links to private organizations if these organizations offer services that complement the Purpose, information and services offered by DIS and if the links meet the acceptance criteria stated in this policy.
DIS may provide links to Web sites that are not controlled, maintained, or regulated by DIS, and as such DIS is not responsible for the content of those Web sites.
Use of information obtained from External Web sites is voluntary. Any information obtained from an External Web site is not guaranteed by DIS and the user should review the accuracy of any information before relying upon it. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, or otherwise does not represent endorsement or recommendation by DIS.
6.2.3.4 Guidelines for Establishing a Link from the DIS Web site to an External Web site
Using the following acceptance criteria, DIS will review every link and decide whether it is appropriate and relevant:
- The External Web site corresponds with the Purpose of the DIS Web site.
- The External Web site is appropriate with respect to the Purpose of the DIS Web site.
- Links to state agencies' web sites are a principle means of meeting our Purpose and are generally accepted as appropriate.
An inappropriate External Web site may include, but is not limited to Web sites that:
- Exhibit hate, bias, discrimination, pornography, libelous or otherwise defamatory content;
- Advocates or promotes the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs;
- Lobby, advocate, or advance the policies and priorities of a particular industry, organization or enterprise. This may include sites of non-profit organizations;
- Promote or makes available adult or sexually oriented entertainment or materials;
- Promote, oppose, or makes available weapons or gambling;
- Advocate for or against a candidate for public office or promote or oppose a ballot proposition.
Additionally, DIS reserves the right to deny links if it determines that a Web site contains misleading or unsubstantiated claims, conflicts with the Purpose of the DIS Web site or does not meet one or more of the criteria set forth in this policy.
6.2.3.5 Guidelines for Establishing a Link To the DIS Web site From an External Web site
Advance permission to link to the DIS Web site is not necessary; however, Web site users should be aware that DIS Web site sub pages, including the pages of other state agencies and local governments, may change at any time without notice. Anyone linking to the DIS Web site should continuously verify links to sub pages.
Anyone linking to the DIS Web site shall not display DIS Web pages within frames, present DIS content as its own, or otherwise misrepresent DIS content, and they should not misinform users about the origin or ownership of DIS content. Certain information on DIS' Web site may be trademarked, service-marked, or otherwise protected as intellectual property. Protected intellectual property must be used in accordance with state and federal laws and must reflect the proper ownership of the intellectual property.
6.2.3.6 Link Oversight and Monitoring
DIS shall establish procedures to monitor the implementation and continuing oversight of this policy.
These procedures shall include:
- A process to review all new requests for links from a DIS Web page to another Web page to ensure compliance with this policy prior to granting the request; and
- A quarterly review of not less than seven (7) percent or a quantity of thirty-five (35) of the then current external content links for each DIS Web Site, whichever is less, to ensure that such links still comply with this policy.
6.2.3.7 Removal of Links
DIS reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to remove links if it determines that an External Web site contains misleading or unsubstantiated claims, conflicts with the Purpose of the DIS Web site, or does not meet one or more of the criteria set forth herein.
Links from the DIS Web site will be reviewed regularly and may be removed for any of the following reasons:
- The link no longer points to the original information or resource to which it was intended to point;
- The Web site contains inaccurate or misleading information or has changed such that it is no longer in compliance with the acceptance criteria;
- Access to the information has become difficult due to non-standard formatting, lengthy download times, or intrusive advertising;
- The Web site is permanently unreachable or remains unavailable for a lengthy period.
Removal of external links on the above bases will be permitted whether or not DIS is legally obligated to act upon any information of which it is aware.
Revised: November 6, 2006
Revised: August 19, 2003
Revised: February 28, 2001
Posted: February 16, 2000