Below you can read more about and Internet Use Policy. You will learn what it is, why you may need one and what the best ways to implement and internet use policy.

Considering that businesses using the internet is becoming more commonplace, setting the groundwork for an IAUP will ensure that you reduce the risk of liability with inappropriate internet activity. Keep in mind that having a solid Internet Use Policy is only effective if you can make certain that your employees are actually adhering to it. Spector CNE will ensure that your employees comply with your company Internet Use policy because it will record every kind of internet activity that can be done.


Implementing an Internet Acceptable Use Policy

What is an IAUP?

Technically, an IAUP, or Internet Acceptable Use Policy, is a written agreement, between employer and employee, whose intent is to identify permissible workplace uses of the Internet and prohibited workplace uses of the Internet.

More simply, it is a basic set of ground rules for your employees’ use of the Internet.

Why Does My Company Need an IAUP?

The Internet is a boundless source of detailed, current information that can enhance employee productivity. The In-ternet also allows access to a vast amount of purely entertainment-related features. Providing access to the Internet carries the same potential for productivity drain as placing a television on every employee’s desk.

It is not surprising then, that loss of productivity is the number one reason companies cite for creating an IAUP.

Another important reason for many companies is to protect themselves from sexual harassment suits. Many Internet sites offer unrestricted access to pictures, video, sound, and text that is sexually oriented. If such material is brought into the workplace, it creates the possibility for a hostile work environment, thereby presenting a potential risk of exposure to the employer under federal or state laws against sexual discrimination.

Financial and Technological Reasons for Implementing an IAUP

Restricting use of the Internet to work-related matters serves to prevent a drain on limited computer resources caused by frivolous use. Access to the Internet costs businesses money, either in fees to Internet Service Providers, or in hardware costs necessary to accommodate increased network traffic and data storage.

An employee’s inappropriate use may negatively affect other employees’ speed of access or storage space for work product. An IAUP can guide employees concerning the use of storage space and bandwidth on the system in order to maximize utility to all employees. Examples of restrictions serving this interest would be directives against down-loading music, games or other non-work related files, restrictions on downloading large files that can be obtained offline, and instructions to move old or seldom used files, programs or E-mail to alternative storage.

Using an IAUP to Protect Sensitive and Confidential Company Information

Employers typically have sensitive data on their computer systems -- company plans, customer demographic data, or product designs may need a clause in their IAUP concerning trade secrets. It should be made clear to employees that under no circumstances should proprietary company information be passed though the Internet, or that such mate-rial be encrypted if transmitted over the Internet.

Employers should institute guidelines that prohibit illegal use of the Internet in general. A directive that employees take care not to violate copyright laws should be included in every IAUP. Gambling via the Internet may also be a con-cern, and an IAUP should contain a prohibition against such activity not only because of its potentially adverse affect on productivity but also because the activity may be illegal.

An Example of a Simple IAUP

Your Internet Acceptable Use Policy could be something as simple as:

1. XYZ Company recognizes the business need for some, if not all of its employees to have access to the Internet while on the job, using company computers. As such, XYZ has made the business decision to make the Internet avail-able to employees for XYZ business purposes.

2. XYZ intends for the Internet to be accessed for business purposes and expects that employees will spend no more than 5 minutes per day accessing the Internet for non-business purposes.

3. XYZ specifically prohibits its employees from accessing the following types of sites using company computers:
a. Gambling sites
b. Auction sites
c. Hate sites
d. Pornographic sites
e. Any site engaging in or encouraging illegal activity

4. The company reserves the right to use monitoring software to make sure the company’s IAUP is being adhered to by its employees. The company may record and/or monitor one or more employees’ computer and Internet activity for any reason and without any specific notice.

5. By signing and dating this document:
a. You agree that you have had the opportunity to review this agreement and ask any questions regarding this document.
b. You agree to adhere to the company’s IAUP.
c. You agree that you will be subject to disciplinary measures, including possible termination, if you violate the IAUP.

Acknowledgement of Receipt and Understanding
I hereby certify that I have read and fully understand the contents of the Electronic Access Policy. I acknowledge that the Company reserves the right to modify or amend its policies at any time, without prior notice. These policies do not create any promises or contractual obligations between this Company and its employees. My signature below certifies my knowledge, acceptance and adherence to the Company’s policies, rules, regulations and procedures regarding Electronic Access.

Signature _______________________________________________
Date _______________________
Print Name _____________________________________________

The above example does not deal with Email Policies and Procedures or a number of other matters, so we are provid-ing an example of a detailed IAUP that addresses these issues.

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