IT & INTERNET POLICY

What is an IT & Internet Policy?

An IT & Internet Policy sets out a business's rules & regulations regarding its employees' use of and access to its information media including:

e-Mail
The Internet
Telephone
Fax
Any other communication systems

The purpose of such a policy is to try to prevent a business incurring liabilities arising from the misuse of its IT media

What does an IT & Internet Policy Cover?

Our IT & Internet Policy covers as standard:

Procedures to be used by employees when using IT media

Business's policy on monitoring it's employees use of IT media

Employees' right to access and use certain types of media, i.e. an internet access policy

Those activities involving IT media that are forbidden e.g. use of IT media for the purpose of accessing pornography or as a means of harassment

Procedure and rules to avoid defamatory statements being made

Procedures and rules to avoid the infringement of third part intellectual property rights

Rules regarding the use of IT media in connection with the formation of contracts

Why have an IT & Internet Policy?

Compliance with new Laws
A written IT & Internet Policy is essential in order for a business to comply with The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, The Data Protection Act 1998 and The Human Rights Act 1998 and regulations and codes of practice made under such legislation

Insurance Requirements

An insurer may require a written IT & Internet Policy to be in place as part of the terms of any insurance policy, i.e. for cyber liability errors and omissions

Employment Law Benefits

An IT & Internet Policy can form part of employees' contracts of employment, which means that if the Policy is breached, this may justify disciplinary proceedings

Such a Policy can help to prevent "innocent mistakes" being made by employees

Such a Policy sets out the consequences to both the employee and a business if the Policy is breached