Internet Usage Policy

Not all companies conduct business online exclusively, but most will require employees to use the internet in one way or another. With the always-available internet connection at work, cyberslacking is not a novelty by any means. This is why the Internet Use Policy is a useful tool most companies implement, but not just to regulate cyberslacking.

Companies choose to create an Internet Use Policy to protect themselves from security breaches and the employees from sharing confidential information,

What Is an Internet Use Policy?

The Internet Use Policy prevents employees from misusing the company's computers and internet access. Furthermore, it also acts as a guide to what is considered acceptable internet usage at the workplace.

For example, most companies do not allow employees to download music or movies at work, mostly if it is pirated. The Internet Use Policy protects the employer if an employee chooses to commit an illegal activity using the company's internet access.

Finally, the policy ensures that the employee does not knowingly or unknowingly share passwords, company credentials, and valuable data via the internet.

Other Names for Internet Use Policy

Depending on your state, an Internet Use Policy may also be known as:

• Computer, Email, and Internet Usage Policy
• Employee Internet Usage Policy
• Company Internet Policy
• Computer Usage Policy
• Workplace Internet Policy
• IAP (Internet Access Policy)

Who Needs an Internet Use Policy?

Any company or employer with at least one employee benefits from having an Internet Use Policy. Without it, there are no clear rules on how the employees will use the company-provided internet. The document also provides proof that the employer has communicated these rules to employees.

Why Use Swyft Forms for Your Internet Use Policy

Customized for you, by you

Create your own documents by answering our easy-to-understand questionnaires to get exactly what you need out of your Internet Use Policy.

Specific to Your Jurisdiction

Laws vary by location. Each document on Swyft Forms is customized for your state.

How to Create an Internet Use Policy with Swyft Forms

Most employers have somewhat similar definitions of acceptable and unacceptable online activity of employees at work. Even then, while some rules are apparent, others should be explicitly listed. All you need to do is focus on the actions you want to discourage, and we will do the rest.

Let Swyft Forms help with our extensive library of attorney-vetted legal forms. The process is fast and easy. All you have to do is fill out our easy-to-understand questionnaire. Once complete, simply download your form as a PDF or Word document from your secure online account.

What Information Will I Need to Create My Internet Use Policy?

To create your document, please provide:

• Company Details: The legal name of the company, address, and governing state.
• Prohibited Use: List all internet activities considered inappropriate or prohibited by the company.
• Acceptable Use: List the sample internet activities deemed appropriate and proper on the part of the employees.
• Disciplinary Action: An explanation of the sanctions or penalties applicable should an employee violate the Internet Use Policy.
• Exceptions: Describe potential exceptions to the general rules.
• Acknowledgment: A statement where an employee acknowledges to have read and understood the Internet Use Policy.
• Contact Person: The name and contact information of the company's designated representative.
• Signature: Each employee signs the Internet Use Policy.

Internet Use Policy Terms

• Policy: A system of rules and principles created to achieve a particular outcome
• Scope: The extent of a subject matter
• EIM: Employee Internet Management, usually as pertains to software use
• Employee Handbook: A staff manual describing the expectations and governing values of a company
• Copyright: A class of intellectual property, often time-limited
• Piracy: The act of copying someone else's work without authorization
• Incendiary: Inflammatory
• Cyberslacking: Slacking at work as relates to using company properties for personal matters only

Internet Use Policy Signing Requirements

The Internet Use Policy should be presented to any new employee. The manager or supervisor should submit the document to the employee and ask them to sign it. You do not have to worry about having a witness present, nor does the form require notarization.

What to Do with Your Internet Use Policy

The employer should keep all signed copies of the Internet Use Policy from all employees, usually with the HR department or wherever employee files are kept. After signing, an employee should also keep a copy of the Internet Use Policy in paper or digital form.