DASH PBDA · Device Loan Program · Policy


Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)



Applies to all borrowers and any other individuals who use DASH PBDA Device Loan Program devices issued by KINBER through approved partner sites. This policy applies for the full duration of any loan period, including renewals.

Effective: January 2026 Policy owner: KINBER Applies for full loan duration

Version 1.0 · Last updated: January 2026

Policy details

  • Policy: Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), DASH PBDA Device Loan Program
  • Effective date: January 2026
  • Policy owner: KINBER
  • Applies to: All borrowers and any other individuals who use DASH PBDA Device Loan Program devices issued by KINBER through approved partner sites, for the full duration of any loan period, including renewals.

Purpose

This AUP defines how DASH laptops may be used, so that borrowers receive equitable, zero-cost access while KINBER protects program assets, partner operations, and patron confidentiality in accordance with the PBDA grant contract and Pennsylvania library-records law.

This policy outlines the acceptable use of laptop computers provided by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) via KINBER to ensure responsible, secure, and productive use of technology resources. This AUP defines how these laptops may be used, so that users receive equitable, zero-cost access while KINBER protects program assets, partner operations, and user confidentiality in accordance with the PBDA Digital Technology Connectivity grant contract and Pennsylvania library-records law.

Scope, who may use a DASH laptop

This policy applies to all users or other individuals who use laptops owned or managed by KINBER.

  • Adults 18+ or minors with a parent or guardian co-signature.
  • Registered patrons or program participants at approved partner sites.
  • Users in good standing who complete the electronic Device Loan Agreement, the orientation module, and identity verification (photo ID or ADA-compliant alternative).

General use and ownership

  • Laptops are the property of KINBER and are intended for authorized Digital Access and Support Hubs Initiative program activities only.
  • Users must take reasonable precautions to prevent loss, theft, or damage.
  • All data stored on KINBER laptops may be subject to monitoring and review.

Acceptable use of laptops

Users must use laptops for activities detailed below. All users are required to protect login credentials and avoid sharing accounts. KINBER laptops are for lawful, constructive activities that advance:

  • Work and workforce development (job search, applications, training, remote work).
  • Education (K-12, post-secondary, continuing education, online courses).
  • Telehealth and access to healthcare portals.
  • Access to government services and benefits.
  • Everyday essential digital tasks (banking, taxes, communications).

Use on partner networks must follow posted network rules.

Prohibited use of KINBER laptops

Users agree not to:

  • Break the law or aid illegal activity (fraud, threats, stalking, child exploitation, harassment, hate crimes, etc.).
  • Theft or infringement of the intellectual property of others (theft, unlawful file-sharing, piracy, or Digital Rights Management circumvention).
  • Bypass or weaken security controls (disable antivirus or RMM, jailbreak the operating system, use admin exploits, install rootkits, etc.).
  • Install unauthorized software that poses security or licensing risks, crypto-mining, bulk network scanning, or hosting servers.
  • Uninstall security software or disable security features.
  • Attempt to access accounts, systems, or data without permission.
  • Tamper with or remove asset tags, barcodes, or “Property of KINBER” markings on the laptop.
  • Sell, lend to others outside of the borrowing household, or export laptop out of the United States.
  • Streaming, downloading, or gaming for personal use.
  • Use in violation of partner site policies or this Acceptable Use Policy.

Security, configuration and monitoring by KINBER

Each laptop device is enrolled in KINBER’s Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM), operated by KINBER or its managed services provider.

The agent

  • Keeps laptop software up to date.
  • Enforces laptop security settings.
  • Supports the remote-lock or remote-wipe of laptops for non-returns, loss, or theft.

KINBER maintains standard antivirus or antimalware and full-disk encryption settings for the laptops. Attempts to alter or remove the RMM or antivirus configuration are prohibited.

Privacy, your accounts, data, and privacy

  • Users will sign in with unique online accounts. Do not share passwords with staff or others.
  • At each return, KINBER or the partner will perform a full operating system reset or the equivalent. Personal files and browser data will be removed from the device. Users should back up any personal content before returning the laptop.
  • KINBER does not monitor user personal content. The RMM, operated by KINBER or its managed service provider, collects device health and device data (serial number, online or offline status, patch level) to protect the device.
  • Checkout and user records are confidential under Pennsylvania law and accessible only to authorized staff except as required by law.

Care of equipment

  • Keep the laptop in the provided padded bag, avoid extreme heat or cold and liquids.
  • Do not apply stickers or coverings to the laptop, particularly ones that obscure labels or vents.
  • Use only the supplied laptop charger and accessories.
  • Users are responsible for reasonable care and for returning all items in the kit.

Loss, theft, damage, and malfunction

  • Report loss, theft, damage, or malfunction within 24 hours to the issuing site.
  • Users are not billed for loss or damage. KINBER will pursue warranty claim, accidental-damage coverage, or replacement.
  • If theft is suspected, KINBER may request the user report theft to police and obtain a police report number solely to assist KINBER with asset recovery.
  • If a laptop malfunctions, contact the site. Do not attempt repairs.

Loan terms (summary, full terms in the Device Loan Agreement)

  • Loan period: 30 days, up to two 30-day renewals if no waitlist.
  • Checkout limit: one laptop kit per user.
  • Returns: in person to the issuing site during open hours.
  • Overdue handling: courtesy email at Day 3, privileges suspended at Day 10, remote lock may be initiated at Day 14, marked Lost on Day 30 per SOP.
  • Monthly Loan-Status Confirmation: users with active laptop loans must confirm possession and status via the secure link sent on Day 1 each month (due by Day 5).

Network use

  • When on partner site Wi-Fi, follow posted network rules.
  • Some partner sites may use standard filtering to protect the Wi-Fi network or meet legal obligations. Filtering does not override your responsibility to comply with this AUP and applicable laws.
  • Users are responsible for data charges if they connect through any personal hotspots or third-party networks.

Policy enforcement, consequences of misuse

KINBER may take one or more of the following actions, proportionate to the issue and consistent with law and policy:

  • Provide coaching or a warning to user and document the misuse incident.
  • Temporarily suspend user’s borrowing privileges or require immediate return.
  • Initiate a remote lock of the borrowed laptop for non-return or serious misuse.
  • Refer suspected illegal activity to law enforcement.
  • Users are not billed under this program.

Accessibility and language access

  • KINBER will provide reasonable accommodations and alternative verification methods for users with disabilities.
  • Forms and key notices are available in English and Spanish. Additional formats available upon request.

No fees, ownership and attribution

  • No deposits, fines, or cost pass-throughs to patrons are permitted under this program.
  • Devices remain property of KINBER and must display required PBDA credit language.
  • Permanent transfer, assignment, or relocation of devices requires prior written KINBER consent.

Complaints and incident reporting

  • Users may report concerns, accessibility requests, or complaints to the issuing site or to KINBER at [support email or phone].
  • Incidents related to laptop loss or damage, security, malfunction, or misuse should be reported immediately.

Changes to this policy

KINBER may update this AUP when PBDA guidance or law changes. The current version of this policy is posted on the partner portal. Material changes to the policy will be communicated to partners and the online loan agreement form will be updated accordingly.

User acknowledgment and consent (e-signature)

By signing the Device Loan Agreement that incorporates this AUP, user acknowledges that they have read and agree to the Acceptable Use Policy for the DASH PBDA Device Loan Program. Users understand that:

  • The laptop will be managed for security.
  • User personal data will be removed when laptop is returned.
  • User records are confidential and handled by authorized staff.
  • Misuse of laptop can result in suspension or remote lock.
  • User will not be charged for loss or damage.
  • User must follow all applicable laws, this AUP, and any posted partner network rules.

DASH PBDA Device Loan Program: Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).