COMPANY NAME provides employees with an e-mail system, a network connection, and Internet and Intranet access. This policy governs all use of COMPANY NAME’S network, Internet/Intranet access, and e-mail system, whether at the head office or remote offices, and whether for electronic mail, chat rooms, the Internet, newsgroups, electronic bulletin boards, or the COMPANY NAME Intranet. The e-mail system, network, and Internet/Intranet access are for official business only. Employees are authorized to access the Internet for personal business only during nonworking time, and in strict compliance with the other terms of this policy. All information created, sent, or received via the e-mail System, network, Internet, or the Intranet is the property of COMPANY NAME Employees should not have any expectation of privacy regarding such information. This includes all e-mail messages and all electronic files. The company reserves the right to, at any time and without notice, access, read and review, monitor, and copy all messages and files on its computer system as it deems necessary. When it believes necessary, COMPANY NAME may disclose text or images to law enforcement or other third parties without the employee’s consent. Use extreme caution to ensure that the correct e-mail address is used for the intended recipient(s). Employees are expected to follow the rules of netiquette, as outlined in the company’s e-writing guidelines, and to produce messages that are effective and professional. Any message or file sent via e-mail must have the employee’s name attached. Personal e-mail accounts (such as Hotmail) are not permitted unless expressly authorized in advance by COMPANY NAME’s Systems Administrator at our headquarters. No employee may use a password unless it has been disclosed in writing to COMPANY NAME’s Systems Administrator. Alternative Internet Service Provider connections to COMPANY NAME’s internal network are not permitted unless expressly authorized and properly protected by a firewall or other appropriate security device(s). Files that are downloaded from the Internet must be scanned with virus detection software before being viewed or opened. Also, employees are reminded that information obtained from the Internet is not always reliable and should be verified for accuracy before it is used. Employees may not use COMPANY NAME’S e-mail system, network, or Internet/Intranet access for any of the following:

1. Downloading of any software without the prior written approval of COMPANY NAME’S Systems Administrator. (See COMPANY NAME’s policy entitled “Acquisition, Use, and Copying of Software.”)

2. Dissemination or printing of copyrighted materials, including articles and software, in violation of copyright laws.

3. Sending, receiving, printing, or otherwise disseminating proprietary data, trade secrets, or other confidential information of COMPANY NAME in violation of company policy or written agreements.

4. Operating a business, usurping business opportunities, or soliciting money for personal gain, or searching for jobs outside COMPANY NAME

5. Offensive or harassing statements or language, including disparagement of others based on their race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, ancestry, disability age, sex, or sexual orientation.

6. Sending or soliciting sexually oriented messages or images.

7. Visiting sites featuring pornography, terrorism, espionage, theft, or drugs.

8. Gambling or engaging in any other activity in violation of local, state, or federal law.

9. Unethical activities or content, or activities or content that could damage COMPANY NAME’S professional reputation.

Managers are responsible for ensuring that their employees follow this policy. Any employee who learns of a violation of this policy should notify COMPANY NAME’s Systems Administrator or Human Resource Manager at our headquarters. Any employee who violates this policy or uses COMPANY NAME’S e-mail system, network, Internet, or Intranet access for improper purposes shall be subject to discipline, up to and including discharge.

Employee Acknowledgment If you have any additional questions about the above policies, address them to the Systems Administrator before signing the following agreement:

I have read COMPANY NAME’S policy on the use of e-mail, network, and Internet/Intranet and agree to abide by it. I understand that violation of any of the above policies may result in discipline, up to and including my termination.

____________________________        ________________________________     __________
User Name (Printed)                              User Signature                                         Date

Source: © 2000, Donald C. Slowik, Attorney at Law with Lane, Alton & Horst. For informational purposes only. Individual policies should be developed with assistance from competent legal counsel. Spearhead Multimedia, it's parent companies, officers or employees hold no responsibility for the items contained herein.  It is provided solely for informational purposes.

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