Acceptable+Use+Policy

Webster’s online dictionary defines an acceptable use policy (AUP) as “rules applied by many transit networks which restrict the use to which the network may be put.” Acceptable use policies are just about everywhere and for the most part are very similar to terms of agreements. I myself just like many others only skim if at all read any of the terms in any agreement or policies. Most of them seem to say the same thing. The purpose for them is to protect the company or places that issue them from having complaints filed against them for inappropriate use. Most schools have them in place for students. This prevents students from visiting websites that they should not be looking at. If a student is caught searching these sites than that student can be disciplined, because they have signed off on the AUP. They also make teachers sign AUP’s on using social networking sites and on their internet usages.

It is important to have acceptable use policies, because we have to control what people are looking at when they are not on a personal computer. Employers or schools have the right to monitor what students and/or employees are looking at or searching for. In a perfect world employees and students would only view and complete work that is assigned to them. However, a lot of people check personal email, check banking statements, Facebook, etc. while at work. This is why an AUP is needed.

Included in the AUP should be a list of what websites are allowed or in some cases easier to state what is not allowed. For example at school or work Facebook should not be allowed. Companies should also explain how and what they are monitoring. For instance if the company or school gives employees or students an email account, voicemail, or phone they should explain how that is monitored and how often. It should also explain the consequences for breaking these rules. Noah Porter. (1913). Retrieved from http://www.webster-dictionary.org

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