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.
Spector
CNE More Info or Buy Now
Spector
CNE will help your company:
•
Conduct
Investigations on Employees Suspected
of Inappropriate Activity
• Increase
Employee Productivity by Reducing Frivolous
& Inappropriate Activity
• Eliminate
Leaking of Confidential Information
• Recover
Lost Crucial Communications (Email, Chat
& Instant Messages)
• Meet
or Exceed Federal, Industry or Agency
Compliance Requirements
• Assist
Help Desk Staff With PC Recovery
|
