(31507332 097) © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. B-1 HANDOUT 680 Appropriate Internet Use INTERNET USE POLICY POINTERS At a minimum, your Internet policy should: Encourage employees to use the Internet to: —Communicate with co-workers, clients, and other business contacts regarding matters related to assigned duties —Acquire information necessary to perform assigned duties —Facilitate performance of any task or project in a manner approved by an employee’s supervisor Explain that the organization’s computer systems are provided as tools for business and all information creatted accessed, or stored using these systems are the property of the organization and subject to monitoring and review. Inform employees that they have no expectation of privacy when using the organization’s computer systems, including the Internet. Explain proper business-related uses of the Internet. Describe any acceptable nonbusiness use of the Internet and the limits of that use. Specify inappropriate Internet use (e.g., pornography, gambling, accessing hate sites). Notify employees if you intend to block certain websites. State clearly that employees who violate the organization’s policy will be subject to discipline up to and including termination, as well as possible legal action. It’s also a good idea to require employees to sign a statement that says they understand the policy and agree to follow the rules for Internet use on the job.