Thursday, February 22, 2007

General Standards for using the Internet and Online Services

An excerpt from the Internet/Email Policy from The Company, in two parts:

Part One: The Internet


Ownership
The Company owns its technical resources and has the right to and is monitoring and tracing Internet usage. Please be aware that the Internet usage at The Company is not private. Failure to comply with the Internet standards stated in this and the following section on information sharing can be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination and/or legal action.

Access
Access to the Internet is monitored to ensure appropriate use. Management reports are produced periodically, highlighting excessive and inappropriate Internet usage.

Intent of Use
Internet access is provided to enable users to carry out their responsibilities as employees of The Company. Activities that are normally inappropriate while performing job responsibilities are also inappropriate on the Internet. Users are prohibited from using technology resources, including the Internet, for any purpose that is, in the sole discretion of The Company, unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, obscene, hateful, or encourages conduct that would constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability, or otherwise violate any local, state, national, or international law.

Part Two: Email

Ownership Rights
The Company owns all e-mail and has the right to and is monitoring and reading all e-mail sent and received by The Company's employees. Please be aware that e-mail communications at The Company are not private. The firm has installed systems to screen global e-mail electronically and to store internal e-mail for potential future review. Misuse of email will not be tolerated and could lead to disciplinary action up to and including termination and/or legal action.

What is covered Under E-Mail
All types of electronic communications are covered by this policy. That includes but is not limited to:
E-Mail
Instant Messaging
Blackberries
All other forms of electronic messaging systems.


Also, it's a violation to share company information electronically, including policies and procedures, like the above, you know, just, fyi.

-t

No comments: