The University has circulated the following advice about the use of drop-boxes.

------------------ We're aware that members of the University use Dropbox to transfer large files, or to make files available for use in any location.

Although this is a popular and useful service, we would advise caution for the following reasons:

* As the University does not have a contract with Dropbox, using Dropbox to hold or transfer any personal information (eg student marks, staff details, sensitive research data etc) is a breach of the Data Protection Act and opens the University up to a fine of up to £500,000

* If someone is ill and access is needed to data held on their personal Dropbox account, IT Services will not be able to facilitate this (we are able, under certain defined circumstances, to give controlled access to filestore and University Google Apps accounts).