2.5 Internet Usage

1.	Executive Summary
2.	General Principles
	2.1	Unacceptable use or behaviour
	2.2	Users should
	2.3	Monitoring

1. Executive Summary

This Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) applies to all Staff including temporary Staff, visitors, contractors and to those using the companies IT resources. For the purposes of this document the ‘internet’ is defined as; web services, chat rooms, internet mail, bulletin boards, newsgroups, peer to peer file sharing and instant messaging software.

2. General Principles

Use of the Internet by Staff is permitted and encouraged where such use is supports the goals and objectives of the company.
Use of Internet is monitored for security and/network management reasons. Users may also be subject to limitations on their use of such resources.
The distribution of any information through the company’s network is subject to the scrutiny of the company. The Company reserves the right to determine the suitability of this information.
The use of computing resources is subject to UK law and any illegal use will be dealt with appropriately. For example the Police can have a right of access to recorded data in pursuit of a crime.

2.1 Unacceptable Use or behaviour

It is unacceptable to;

Visit Internet sites that contain obscene, hateful or other objectionable materials.
Make or post indecent remarks, proposals or materials on the Internet including racist or sexist jokes and defamatory comments.
Upload, download or otherwise transmit commercial software or any copyrighted materials belonging to parties outside of the Company, or the Company itself unless this download is covered or permitted under a commercial agreement or other such licence.
Download any software or electronic files without implementing virus protection measures that have been approved by the Company
Intentionally interfere with the normal operation of the network, including the propagation of computer viruses and sustained high volume network traffic that substantially hinders others in their use of the network
Access internet resources such as chat rooms, internet based email (hotmail etc.), bulletin boards, newsgroups, peer to peer file sharing and instant messaging software (MSN Messenger etc.).
Monitor Network Traffic Content or scan devices connected to the network.

2.2 Users should:

If you become aware that there has been unauthorised access to your computer, you must raise it immediately with the IT department because of the implications for the security of Company, and personal data.
Record any instances where you have accessed inappropriate sites by accident. For example this may be through mistyping an address or spam email link.
Log out of the computer when you have finished

2.3 Monitoring

The Company accepts that the use of the internet is an extremely valuable business, research and learning tool. However misuse of such a facility can have a detrimental effect on other users and potentially the Company’s public profile. As a result, the Company monitors:

The volume of internet and network traffic.
The internet sites visited, by whom and time and date

The specific content of any transactions will not be monitored unless there is a suspicion of improper use.

We are obliged to monitor to fulfil our responsibilities with regard to UK law.

Action as deemed appropriate by a Director may be taken.

Protect your reputation and your career: Follow the Company’s AUP or risk disciplinary action. The Company also retains the right to report any illegal violations to the appropriate authorities.

Note: The Company is committed to ensuring that any monitoring is undertaken with reference to the privacy of the user and with regard to the Data Protection Act, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, the Lawful Business Regulations and the Human Rights Act.

If you have any questions or suggestions, or if you would like to discuss the requirements of this policy further please do not hesitate to contact the HR Manager and/or I.T. Manager.