Internet Usage Policy

1. Internet

1.1 The company provides access to the internet for the sole purpose of business and to assist Users in the furtherance of their duties. [Use of the internet for personal purposes is strictly prohibited.] [However the company recognises that Users may need to use the internet for personal purposes and such use is permitted provided it is reasonable and [does not interfere with the User’s performance of his/her duties] [is outside of normal working hours or during a lunch break.]]

1.2 Users must not use the internet to gain or attempt to gain unauthorised access to computer material or private databases, including restricted areas of the company’s network. Nor must they intentionally or recklessly introduce any form of malware, spyware, virus or other malicious software or code to or using the communications equipment or systems of the company.

1.3 Users must not access or attempt to access any information which they know or ought to know is confidential or restricted.

1.4 Users must not download or install any software without the express permission of << e.g. IT Manager >>.

1.5 [Certain websites are blocked and can not be accessed from the company’s equipment or systems [during normal business hours]. If a User has a genuine and specific business need to access a blocked site he/she must contact << e.g. IT Manager >>.]

1.6 Users must not attempt to download, view or otherwise retrieve illegal, pornographic, sexist, racist, offensive or any other material which may cause embarrassment to the corporate image of the company. Any such attempt will constitute a disciplinary offence and in addition to internet access being reviewed, reduced or withdrawn, may be subject to disciplinary action or summary dismissal.

2. Blogging and Social Networking Sites

2.1 [The viewing of or contribution to blogs, content sharing and social networking sites such as “Facebook”, “Myspace”, “Bebo” and “YouTube” using the company’s communications systems is prohibited. [Access to the most prominent of such sites has been blocked on the company’s communications systems. The company recognises that there may be other sites of this type of which it is not aware and therefore are not blocked. Users are reminded that despite any accessibility of such websites, the visiting of them is nonetheless prohibited.]]

2.2 The company recognises that in their private time Users may wish to publish content on the internet through a variety of means. Even outside of work Users must adhere to this policy when creating, modifying or contributing to websites.

2.3 If a User makes any posting, contribution or creation or publishes any other content which identifies or could identify the User as an employee, contractor, agent or other member or associate of the company , or in which the User discusses his/her work or experiences relating to the company, the User must at all times ensure that his/her conduct is appropriate and consistent with their contract of employment and the corporate image of the company, and should bear in mind that the User as an employee owes a duty of fidelity to the company.

2.4 If a User is unsure as to the appropriateness of a posting or other content published by him/her, they should speak to << e.g. line manager >> at the earliest opportunity to seek clarification.

2.5 If, in any contribution or posting which identifies or could identify the User as an employee, agent or other affiliate of the company, the User expresses an idea or opinion he/she should include a disclaimer which clearly states that the opinion or idea expressed is that of the User and does not represent that of the company.