Internet and Email Usage Guidelines

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These guidelines set out detailed provisions for the proper use of Internet and email facilities within an organisation and form part of the employment terms. The guidelines also allow the employer organisation to monitor employees' use of the internet, email, PCs, office network and intranet, (as applicable).

The guidelines are drafted so that a named individual within the organisation has overall control of the guidelines and serves as a point of reference. This should either be the head of IT or another member of senior management with some technical experience.

This policy is drafted to comply with the following relevant Acts and Codes:

The Data Protection Act 1998

The Employment Practices Data Protection Code, Part 3: Monitoring at Work

The Telecommunications (Lawful Business Practice) (Interception of Communications) Regulations 2000 (TICR)

Key clauses in this agreement include:

Action taken for minor breaches of these guidelines.

Action taken for serious breaches of these guidelines.

Correct use and storage of usernames and passwords.

Internet and email usage restricted to business use only.

Detailed email etiquette.

Proper deletion of emails.

Restriction on use of third party products and software.

List of file formats, devices and utilities that should not be accessed or downloaded unless directly related to work.