Communications Systems, Email, Networks, and Internet Policy

Summary

This template is a communications systems, email, networks, and internet policy for use by an employer to ensure employees understand that they should not expect privacy when using the employer's electronic systems and that their activity on these systems may result in discipline. This template includes practical guidance and drafting notes. This template is intended for private employers. Employers should both include such a policy in their handbooks and also distribute it a standalone policy to each employee with its own employee acknowledgement. The acknowledgement template should be signed by the employee and placed in the employee's personnel file. This template is based on federal law and does not address all potential state law distinctions; thus, you should check any relevant state and local laws. For a full listing of key content covering employee handbook considerations, see Employee Handbook Resource Kit. For a full listing of related workplace data security content, see Workplace Internal Data Security Best Practices Resource Kit." For information on communications systems, email, networks, and internet in the workplace, see Communications Systems, E-mail, Networks, and Internet Policy Acknowledgment, Communications Systems, Email, Networks, and Internet Policies Checklist, Communications System, E-mail, Network, and Internet Policies: Key Drafting Tips, and 3 Computer Contracts § 13.08. For related policies concerning technology in the workplace, see Social Media Policy and Computers, Mobile Phones, and Other Electronic Devices Policy. For information on the security of information in the workplace, see Written Information Security Plan. For information on how Artificial Intelligence affects policies regarding internet use and electronic devices, see Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace: Best Practices and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Driven Tools in the Workplace Policy (with Acknowledgment). For information on employee privacy under federal law, see Employee Privacy (Federal), Stored Communications Act (SCA): Practical Considerations, and Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA): Key Issues. See also Employee Privacy: Federal, XpertHR Employment Law Manual 2154. For information on state laws concerning employee privacy, see Employee Privacy State Practice Notes Chart.