Pages

Template: Internet Usage Policy

Internet Usage Policy
Internet Usage is a very valuable resource for any company nowadays. But not all companies have deep pockets to pay for blazingly fast connectivity. Also, companies need to ensure that their employees are "playing nice" while using company paid for internet connectivity. This is where an Internet Usage policy will come in handy.


The example policy below is designed to provide IT managers a template and should not be used as is.

Information Technology Department

Policies and Procedures

Policy Name: Internet Usage Policy

Objective:

Provide appropriate guidelines for accessing and utilizing the Internet through the company's network.

Definition of Terms

Applies to:

All employees with authorized access to Internet services.

Key Guidelines

Internet services are authorized to designated employees by their manager to enhance their job responsibility. The Internet is an excellent tool but also creates security implications that the company must guard against. For that reason, employees are granted access only as a means of providing support in fulfilling their job responsibility.

General

  • Internet accounts are approved for designated employees by their immediate manager to provide tools that assist in their work.
  • Each individual is responsible for the account issued to him/her.
  • Sharing Internet accounts or User-ID's is prohibited.
  • Organizational use of Internet services must reflect the mission of the company and support the company's goals and objectives.
    These services must support legitimate, mission related activities of the company and be consistent with prudent operational, security, and privacy considerations.
  • The CIO led Internet Steering Committee will take responsibility for all web site content (i.e., "the company web site") and format presentation to reflect the company's mission and in supporting company and departmental objectives.
  • The Company has no control over the information or content accessed from the Internet and cannot be held responsible for the content.
    Any software or files downloaded via the Internet into the company network become the property of the company. Any such files or software may be used only in ways that are consistent with their licenses or copyrights.

Inappropriate Use

  • The following uses of company provided Internet access are not permitted:
    • To access, upload, download, or distribute pornographic or sexually explicit
    • Violate and state, local, or federal law

    • Vandalize or damage the property of any other individual or organization

    • To invade or abuse the privacy of others

    • Violate copyright or use intellectual material without permission

    • To use the network for financial or commercial gain

    • To degrade or disrupt network performance

  • No employee may use company facilities knowingly to download or distribute pirated software or data. The use of file swapping software on company computers and company networks is prohibited.
  • No employee may use the company’s Internet facilities to deliberately propagate any virus, worm, Trojan horse, or trap-door program code.

Samples:

None applicable

For questions, call,

For questions or comments, please call your IT Department at Ext. 5555.

Download: Internet Usage Policy

You can opt to download this Internet Usage IT Policy Template as a Google Docs, Microsoft Word or PDF file. Just click on the download button below.