Employers should provide employees with guidelines about which uses of the Internet are proper, and which uses are improper. A clear policy that is enforced will help the employer reduce its risk of liability from improper Internet use. This sample is for information only, and does not constitute legal advice.
This policy applies to all employees when they are using computers or Internet connections supplied by ABC, whether or not during work hours, and whether or not from ABC’s premises.
1. No Privacy. ABC provides computers and Internet connections ("facilities") to further its business interests. You should use those facilities only for ABC business. ABC has the right, but not the duty, to monitor all communications and downloads that pass through its facilities, at its sole discretion. Any information retained on ABC’s facilities may be disclosed to outside parties or to law enforcement authorities.
2. Improper Activities. You may not disseminate or knowingly receive harassing, sexually explicit, threatening or illegal information by use of ABC’s facilities, including offensive jokes or cartoons. You may not use ABC’s facilities for personal or commercial advertisements, solicitations or promotions.
3. Nature of E-Mail. E-mail resembles speech in its speed and lack of formality. Unlike speech, e-mail leaves a record that is often retrievable even after the sender and recipient delete it. If you would not want your mother to read your message on the front page of the Los Angeles Times, do not send it by e-mail.
4. Regular Deletion of E-Mail. ABC strongly discourages storage of large numbers of e-mail messages. As a general rule, you should promptly delete each e-mail message that you receive after you have read it. If you need to keep a message for longer than a week, save it to your hard disk, or print it out and save the paper copy. The Systems Administrator will regularly purge all messages in employee inboxes and all copies of sent messages that are older than 30 days.
5. Intellectual Property of Others. You may not download or use material from the Internet or elsewhere in violation of software licenses, or the copyright trademark and patent laws. You may not install or use any software obtained over the Internet without written permission from the Systems Administrator.
6. Report Violations. If you observe or learn about a violation of this policy, you must report it immediately to your supervisor, or to the Systems Administrator.
7. Acknowledgment. By signing on the line below, I acknowledge that I have read, understand and agree to comply with the foregoing Internet Use Policy. I understand that, if I do not comply with the Internet Use Policy, I may be subject to discipline, including loss of access to ABC’s facilities and discharge from employment. I may also be subject to legal action against me for damages or indemnification.
| Date: ___________________ | _________________________________________ |
