|
Sample Policy -- Internet
Usage
Status: Accepted
Effective Date: ________
Revision Date:
Internet access to global electronic information resources on the World Wide
Web is provided to ____________ company to assist employees in obtaining
work-related data and technology. The following guidelines have been
established to help ensure responsible and productive Internet usage.
While Internet usage is intended for job-related activities, incidental and
occasional brief personal use is permitted within reasonable limits.
All Internet data that is composed, transmitted, or received via our computer
communications systems is considered to be part of the official records of
________ company and, as such, is subject to disclosure to law enforcement or
other third parties. Consequently, employees should always ensure that the
business information contained in Internet e-mail messages and other
transmissions is accurate, appropriate, ethical, and lawful.
The equipment, services, and technology provided to access the Internet
remain at all times the property of __________ company. As such, _________
company reserves the right to monitor Internet traffic, and retrieve and read
any data composed, sent, or received through our online connections and stored
in our computer systems.
Data that is composed, transmitted, accessed, or received via the Internet
must not contain content that could be considered discriminatory, offensive,
obscene, threatening, harassing, intimidating, or disruptive to any employee or
other person. Examples of unacceptable content may include, but are not
limited to, sexual comments or images, racial slurs, gender-specific comments,
or any other comments or images that could reasonable offend someone on the
basis of race, age, sex, religious or political beliefs, national origin,
disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by
law.
Abuse of the Internet access provided by _________ company in violation of
law or __________ company policies will result in disciplinary action, up to and
including termination of employment. Employees may also be held personally
liable for any violations of this policy. The following behaviors are
examples of previously stated or additional actions and activities that are
prohibited and can result in disciplinary action:
| * |
Sending or posting discriminatory, harassing, or threatening
messages or images |
| * |
Using the organization's time and resources for personal
gain |
| * |
Stealing, using, or disclosing someone else's code or
password without authorization |
| * |
Sending or posting messages or material that could damage
the organization's image or reputation |
| * |
Participating in the viewing or exchange of pornography or
obscene materials |
| * |
Sending or posting messages that defame or slander other
individuals |
| * |
Sending or posting chain letters, solicitations, or
advertisements not related to business purposes or activities |
| * |
Using the Internet for political causes or activities, religious
activities, or any sort of gambling |
| * |
Sending anonymous e-mail messages |
| * |
Engaging in any other illegal activities |
|