EMPLOYEECOMPUTER,E-MAIL,ANDINTERNETUSAGEPOLICY-LegalZoom.pdfVIP

EMPLOYEE COMPUTER, E-MAIL, AND INTERNET USAGE POLICY Included: Overview Dos and Don’ts Checklist Sample Computer, E-mail, and Internet Usage Policy © LEGALZOOM.COM, INC. 2008 1. Overview Every business that uses computers should have a written computer, e-mail, and internet usage policy. These policies are sometimes also called “acceptable use policies,” “acceptable usage policies” or “AUPs.” The temptation to surf the web or compose personal e-mails is hard to resist for even the most conscientious of employees, and these practices waste significant company money and time. Moreover, a pattern of careless computer use can have significant risks for a business, in both the short term and farther down the road. A well-crafted computer, e-mail, and internet usage policy will not only set expectations for incoming employees, but will also protect your company from allegations ranging from copyright infringement to hostile work environment. The policy will also guard against more immediate dangers, like the unthinking download of a computer virus or of tools that could interfere with system security. The enclosed policy should prove useful to your business and, if you follow the suggestions provided, can provide the framework for a complete set of information management policies. Your business will be able to draw on its technological resources without sacrificing either security or efficiency. 2. Dos Don’ts Checklist Creating an employee computer, internet, and e-mail usage policy is the first of many steps in establishing a healthy, professional, and dispute-f