Request for Information Regarding Computer Logs and Firewall Block Lists. (Wake County Public School System)

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law, I hereby request the following records:

I am writing to request for the following information related to computer logs and firewall block lists for the period of 2 years:

Copies of computer logs detailing internet activity during the period of this request.

A list of websites that have been blocked by the firewall system during the period of this request, including any recently blocked websites.

A list of websites that have been blocked due to intrusion detection and prevention (IDP) during the period of this request.

Any documentation related to the criteria used to determine which websites are blocked by the firewall system and IDP system.

Any logs related to attempts to bypass the firewall system during the period of this request.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 business days.

Sincerely,

Jordan

Dear Public Records Officer,

I am writing to appeal the denial of my recent public records request, dated March 4, 2023, which sought access to the following information:

A list of websites that have been blocked by the firewall system during the period of this request, including any recently blocked websites. The data requested is confidential as it reveals information about network security.
A list of websites that have been blocked due to intrusion detection and prevention (IDP) during the period of this request. The data requested is confidential as it reveals information about network security.
Any documentation related to the criteria used to determine which websites are blocked by the firewall system and IDP system. Information is available here: Technology / Online Safety at School (wcpss.net)
Any logs related to attempts to bypass the firewall system during the period of this request. The data requested is confidential as it reveals information about network security.
I understand that there may be concerns related to the security of the school's network, but I respectfully request that the denial of my request be reconsidered. My request seeks information that is essential to understanding the filtering practices and network security protocols of Wake County Public School System. I believe that the public has a right to know how their tax dollars are being used and how their children's online activities are being monitored.

In support of my appeal, I would like to cite relevant North Carolina case law. The North Carolina Supreme Court has recognized the strong public policy favoring access to public records, stating that "public records are the people's records, and the people have a right to know the affairs of government." [North Carolina Dep't of Justice v. Rogers, 358 N.C. 415, 418 (2004)].

Moreover, the North Carolina Court of Appeals has emphasized that the burden is on the public agency to prove that a requested record falls under a statutory exemption, and that such exemptions must be narrowly construed. [Highway Patrol v. Superior Court, 177 N.C. App. 356, 364 (2006)].

Based on these legal principles, I respectfully request that you reconsider your denial of my public records request. If necessary, I am willing to work with you to narrow the scope of my request or to address any concerns related to the security of the school's network.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Sincerely

Jordan

Hi,

Thanks so much for your help with this request! I really appreciate it.

Sincerely,
Good Citizen