• Products
    • CurrentWare Suite
      • AccessPatrol
        Device Control & DLP
      • BrowseControl
        Web Filter & App Blocker
      • BrowseReporter
        Workforce Analytics & Productivity
      • enPowerManager
        Power Control & Logon Tracking
    • Overview
      • Buy Now
      • Case Studies
      • Find a Reseller
      • Platform Security
      • Request a Demo
      • Self-Guided Demo
      • Reviews & Awards
  • Solutions
    • By Use Case
      • Employee Monitoring Software
      • Computer Activity Monitoring
      • Data Loss Prevention
      • Employee Investigations
      • Employee Productivity
      • Insider Threats
      • Internet Management
      • Remote Workforce
      • Security Compliance
      • Software License Optimization
      • Workforce Optimization
      • More Use Cases
    • By Industry
      • Financial Services
      • Government
      • Healthcare
      • Legal Services
      • Managed Service Providers
      • Manufacturing
      • Schools & Libraries
      • Small Business
  • Customers
    • Our Customers
      • Case Studies
      • Reviews & Awards
    • Customer Success
      • Onboarding Guide
      • Knowledge Base
      • Contact Support
      • System Requirements
  • Resources
    • Featured Resources
      • Employee Monitoring Starter Kit
      • Offboarding Data Security Guide
      • Internet Use Policy Template
      • Removable Media Policy Template
      • User Monitoring Policy Template
    • More Resources
      • Knowledge Base
      • Upgrade Deployment
      • Release Notes
      • Blog Articles
      • CurrentWare Videos
      • More Templates
  • Pricing
  • 1-888-912-9619
  • Contact Sales
  • Get Started for Free
  • Products
    • CurrentWare Suite
      • AccessPatrol
        Device Control & DLP
      • BrowseControl
        Web Filter & App Blocker
      • BrowseReporter
        Workforce Analytics & Productivity
      • enPowerManager
        Power Control & Logon Tracking
    • Overview
      • Buy Now
      • Case Studies
      • Find a Reseller
      • Platform Security
      • Request a Demo
      • Self-Guided Demo
      • Reviews & Awards
  • Solutions
    • By Use Case
      • Employee Monitoring Software
      • Computer Activity Monitoring
      • Data Loss Prevention
      • Employee Investigations
      • Employee Productivity
      • Insider Threats
      • Internet Management
      • Remote Workforce
      • Security Compliance
      • Software License Optimization
      • Workforce Optimization
      • More Use Cases
    • By Industry
      • Financial Services
      • Government
      • Healthcare
      • Legal Services
      • Managed Service Providers
      • Manufacturing
      • Schools & Libraries
      • Small Business
  • Customers
    • Our Customers
      • Case Studies
      • Reviews & Awards
    • Customer Success
      • Onboarding Guide
      • Knowledge Base
      • Contact Support
      • System Requirements
  • Resources
    • Featured Resources
      • Employee Monitoring Starter Kit
      • Offboarding Data Security Guide
      • Internet Use Policy Template
      • Removable Media Policy Template
      • User Monitoring Policy Template
    • More Resources
      • Knowledge Base
      • Upgrade Deployment
      • Release Notes
      • Blog Articles
      • CurrentWare Videos
      • More Templates
  • Pricing
  • 1-888-912-9619
  • Contact Sales
  • Get Started for Free

Comprehensive Guide to Creating and Enforcing an Internet Usage Policy

June 23, 2025
Paper document that says "Internet Usage Policy"

Looking for an internet use policy template for your company? This article will provide an acceptable use policy for employees template that you can download and tailor to suit the needs of your workforce. 

If you are managing remote workers you will also like our work from home policy template that helps establish expectations for employees that work remotely.

Monitor & Control Internet Use With CurrentWare

CurrentWare’s workplace internet filtering and monitoring software prevents the misuse of the internet in the workplace.

  • Track Employee Productivity
    Track unproductive web browsing, app use, and idle time to detect time-wasting 
  • Intuitive Employee Activities Reports
    Easily understand how employees spend their time on company devices
  • Block Inappropriate & Malicious Websites
    Block websites to improve company security and worker productivity 
Get My Free Trial Learn More

Employee Internet Use Policy Template

Get Your FREE Employee Internet Usage Policy Template

Paper document that says "Internet Usage Policy"

  • Disclose the monitoring of internet use
  • Communicate standards for technology use
  • Describe your users’ rights and responsibilities

Get started today—Download the FREE template to set standards for acceptable internet usage in your organization.

Get My FREE Template

This internet acceptable use policy sample will serve as the cornerstone for communicating the expected use of technology in the workplace. The internet policy template can be downloaded and edited to include the exact messaging you’d like to provide your employees.

Disclaimer: Please note that this document does not constitute legal advice. This is a templated document provided by CurrentWare Inc. for informational purposes only. Prior to implementing any policy, please consult a legal professional, your company’s existing policies, as well as local, regional, or country guidelines.


BEGINNING OF TEMPLATE

Objective and scope of this policy

This internet use policy is current as of <<DATE>>

This internet use policy is intended to provide guidelines for the acceptable use of the internet, computers, email, and other forms of technology used in connection with <<COMPANY>>. The guidelines set in this policy are intended to provide examples of inappropriate behaviors that are prohibited in <<COMPANY>>. The acts outlined in this document are also intended to serve as a precedent for addressing related unacceptable behaviors concerning the use of the internet and other technology provided by <<COMPANY>>. 

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and other associates of <<COMPANY>>. By signing this document you agree to abide by the principles stated within the policy. Violation of this policy could result in disciplinary and/or legal action including termination of your employment with <<COMPANY>>. Employees may also be held liable for damages caused by any violations of this policy.

Guidelines for use of the internet in the workplace

Bullying, harassment, discrimination, and other hostile behavior

Employees of <<COMPANY>> are trusted to use company property in a way that is respectful and appropriate. <<COMPANY>> has zero tolerance for comments and actions that would be considered racist, sexist, derogatory, vulgar, threatening, harassing, or otherwise discriminatory. This includes but is not limited to actions and comments partaken when using the internet and other technology provided by <<COMPANY>>.

Personal use of the internet during work hours

Employees are expected to use company-provided internet and other devices as a resource for completing their assigned duties and supporting the objectives of <<COMPANY>>. 

Excessive personal use of company internet (“cyberloafing”) during work hours is not permitted, however occasional and reasonable personal use is acceptable, so long as:

  • Frivolous use of the internet does not interfere with employee productivity, including the quality of work produced and other indicators of performance. 
  • The employee’s personal use of the internet does not violate any other guidelines contained within this document.
  • Personal use does not cause undue effects to the company network by consuming an excessive amount of the limited available bandwidth. Examples include but are not limited to downloading/uploading unreasonably large files and streaming videos.
  • Employees do not use company property to perform commercial services outside of tasks and projects assigned by <<COMPANY>>.

Piracy, data theft, hacking, and other illicit or unsafe activity

The following activities are strictly forbidden on company equipment:

  • Illegally downloading music, films, software, and other digital goods (“Piracy”)
  • Installing software on company computers without the authorization of a company information technology (IT) representative
  • Sharing confidential material, trade secrets, or other proprietary information outside of authorized parties of <<COMPANY>>
  • Gaining unauthorized access to programs, systems, websites, etc (“Hacking”)
  • Introducing malicious software (“Malware”) onto the company network or performing other actions that put the security of the organization at risk
  • Attempting to bypass the company web filter to access blocked material
  • Accessing content that would reasonably be considered not safe for work such as pornography, violent imagery, and other adult-oriented content.
  • Sharing or leaking passwords or other credentials that are used to provide access to company equipment, services, accounts, and other company assets. 

The rights of the company

Employee monitoring

The equipment used to access the internet is the property of <<COMPANY>>. <<COMPANY>> may use employee monitoring software to ensure the acceptable use of technology by employees, maintain the security of company data and property, and assist with employee productivity tracking. This activity tracking software will be used to monitor employee computer activity, including monitoring internet activity such as the websites visited by employees.

Copyrights

All data that is created on <<COMPANY>> computer systems is considered to be owned by <<COMPANY>>. Unauthorized disclosure of this data is not permitted and <<COMPANY>> reserves the right to disclose this data to authorized parties at its discretion.

Disciplinary action

Those found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to corrective measures up to and including termination of their employment with <<COMPANY>>. 

Amendments to this policy

The terms of this policy are subject to change at the discretion of <<COMPANY>>. Employees will be notified of amendments via written notice. Employees will be required to provide a signed acknowledgement of their receipt and acceptance of the revised policy.

Comments, questions, or concerns?

If the undersigned is uncertain about what is considered acceptable or unacceptable use of the internet or they have any other questions and concerns, they can contact the below representative of <<COMPANY>> for further clarification.

<<REPRESENTATIVE’S CONTACT INFO>>

Policy acknowledgement

Employee Signature

Date

END OF TEMPLATE


Get Your FREE Employee Internet Usage Policy Template

Paper document that says "Internet Usage Policy"

  • Disclose the monitoring of internet use
  • Communicate standards for technology use
  • Describe your users’ rights and responsibilities

Get started today—Download the FREE template to set standards for acceptable internet usage in your organization.

Get My FREE Template

Frequently asked questions

What is an internet acceptable usage policy?

An internet usage policy is a document used by employers to communicate the acceptable use of technology in the workplace. The document provides rules and guidelines surrounding the organization’s expectations of their employees when using the internet and other company-provided devices.

Common topics include:

  • The company’s stance on employee’s using the internet for personal reasons
  • The disciplinary actions the company will take when employees perform illegal or otherwise unacceptable actions such as harassment or piracy
  • Whether or not the company monitors employee internet use
  • The employee’s computer security obligations such as password management, locking their workstations when not in use, USB security, etc
  • Examples of undesirable internet usage such as excessive unproductive browsing and unnecessarily high bandwidth consumption

Why do companies implement email and internet use policies?

Email and internet use policies are used by companies to communicate the expected use of technology in the workplace. These documents both serve as a means of communicating the company’s expectations and setting a precedent for taking corrective actions should employees be found to use workplace technology inappropriately.

Can employees be fired for internet usage?

Yes. While the exact precedent will vary based on your jurisdiction, employees have been fired due to their workplace internet usage. Before an employee is fired they will typically have received several verbal and written warnings regarding their unacceptable internet usage habits. Should the internet usage monitor continue to reveal internet browsing that is not appropriate for the workplace there is a strong possibility that the employee could be let go.

Potential fireable offenses include:

  • Using company time to work on projects that are not related to the company
  • Frequently engaging in unproductive internet use despite verbal and written warnings
  • Committing illegal acts on company devices
  • Using the internet to harass coworkers or otherwise contribute to a hostile work environment

26% (of organizations) have terminated workers for Internet misuse in 2009.

2009 Electronic Business Communication Policies & Procedures Survey

How do I limit an employee’s access to the Internet?

To limit employee internet use you can blacklist websites using a web filter. CurrentWare’s web filter BrowseControl can be used to limit employee internet access with unique configurations for each user, device, and department.

You can also use internet monitoring software to track websites visited by remote and in-office employees. By monitoring internet use you can see if employees are abusing their internet access privileges by visiting unsafe, inappropriate, or unproductive websites. 

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

An internet usage policy is a set of rules that defines how employees can use the company’s internet and network resources. It helps protect company data, ensures productivity, and prevents misuse or security risks while online.

A clear internet usage policy helps protect sensitive data, reduce cybersecurity risks, manage bandwidth, and set expectations for responsible internet use, ensuring legal compliance and workplace productivity.

Key elements include acceptable use guidelines, prohibited activities, monitoring policies, security measures, consequences of violations, and instructions for reporting misuse to maintain a secure environment.

Effective enforcement involves communicating the policy clearly, monitoring internet activity, using filtering or monitoring software, training employees, and applying consistent consequences for violations.

Yes, by setting clear rules and monitoring internet use, these policies reduce risks of malware, phishing, and data breaches, enhancing overall cybersecurity posture for the organization.

An internet usage policy is a document used by employers to communicate the acceptable use of technology in the workplace. The document provides rules and guidelines surrounding the organization’s expectations of their employees when using the internet and other company-provided devices.

Common topics include:

  • The company’s stance on employee’s using the internet for personal reasons
  • The disciplinary actions the company will take when employees perform illegal or otherwise unacceptable actions such as harassment or piracy
  • Whether or not the company monitors employee internet use
  • The employee’s computer security obligations such as password management, locking their workstations when not in use, USB security, etc
  • Examples of undesirable internet usage such as excessive unproductive browsing and unnecessarily high bandwidth consumption

Email and internet use policies are used by companies to communicate the expected use of technology in the workplace. These documents both serve as a means of communicating the company’s expectations and setting a precedent for taking corrective actions should employees be found to use workplace technology inappropriately.

Yes. While the exact precedent will vary based on your jurisdiction, employees have been fired due to their workplace internet usage. Before an employee is fired they will typically have received several verbal and written warnings regarding their unacceptable internet usage habits. Should the internet usage monitor continue to reveal internet browsing that is not appropriate for the workplace there is a strong possibility that the employee could be let go.

Potential fireable offenses include:

  • Using company time to work on projects that are not related to the company
  • Frequently engaging in unproductive internet use despite verbal and written warnings
  • Committing illegal acts on company devices
  • Using the internet to harass coworkers or otherwise contribute to a hostile work environment

26% (of organizations) have terminated workers for Internet misuse in 2009.2009 Electronic Business Communication Policies & Procedures Survey

To limit employee internet use you can blacklist websites using a web filter. CurrentWare’s web filter BrowseControl can be used to limit employee internet access with unique configurations for each user, device, and department.

You can also use internet monitoring software to track websites visited by remote and in-office employees. By monitoring internet use you can see if employees are abusing their internet access privileges by visiting unsafe, inappropriate, or unproductive websites. 

Conclusion

An internet policy is a critical administrative safeguard for ensuring that employees use the company’s internet in a way that is productive, safe, and appropriate. To help scale the enforcement of your policy you can monitor employee internet use by deploying employee monitoring software such as CurrentWare’s BrowseReporter. 

If you’ll be monitoring employees in the workplace, you’ll also want a workplace monitoring policy that outlines your data collection practices. Get started today with our free employee monitoring policy template.


Improve Employee Productivity With
CurrentWare’s Remote Employee Monitoring Software

CurrentWare is a gamechanger! We use it nearly every day to get insights into things like software adoption rates, employee productivity, and proof of work for our clients.

Ready to get advanced insights into how your employees spend their time? Reach out to the CurrentWare team for a demo of BrowseReporter, CurrentWare’s employee and computer monitoring software.

  • Improve Productivity
    Track unproductive web browsing and idle time to detect time-wasting
  • Save Time With Intuitive Reports
    User-friendly reports make it easy to understand employee computer activity
  • Enhance Visibility
    See how employees spend their time—even on Terminal Server and Remote Desktop Services!
Book a Demo Learn More

Alex H in | View profile

Author

Alex H

Head of Customer Success & Support, CurrentWare

Alex, with over 10 years of experience leading high-performing customer-facing teams, heads Customer Success & Support at CurrentWare. He specializes in building scalable systems and proactive strategies that drive retention, streamline onboarding, and elevate the customer experience. Alex is deeply committed to guiding clients in maximizing the value of CurrentWare's suite of employee monitoring, employee productivity, workforce analytics, and data loss prevention solutions to achieve their security and productivity goals.

Related posts

August 26, 2025

8 Ways Managers Can Support Employees


Read more
Employee Monitoring vs. Performance Management. What's the Difference? Are you improving performance, or enforcing policies?
August 21, 2025

Performance Management vs Employee Monitoring: What’s the Difference?


Read more

CurrentWare's data loss prevention, productivity, and security software gives you advanced control and visibility over technology use in your organization

1-888-912-9619

  • Products
    • CurrentWare Suite
    • AccessPatrol
    • BrowseControl
    • BrowseReporter
    • enPowerManager
  • Solutions
    • Data Loss Prevention
    • Employee Monitoring
    • Endpoint Security
    • Insider Threats
    • Managed Service Providers
    • Monitor Productivity
    • Office Attendance Tracking
    • Remote Workers
    • Security Compliance
    • Software License Optimization
    • Staff Investigations
    • User Activity Monitoring
    • Web Management
    • More Solutions
  • Learn
    • Block Internet Access
    • Block USB
    • Monitoring Guide
    • Monitor Web Use
    • Monitor WFH Staff
      • COMPARISONS
    • ActivTrak Alternative
    • Teramind Alternative
    • Insightful Alternative
    • More Comparisons
  • Resources
    • Join Our Newsletter!
    • Cloud Deployment
    • Find a Reseller
    • Knowledge Base
    • Onboarding
    • Release Notes
    • System Requirements
      • DEMOS
    • Free Trial
    • Overview Video
    • Request Demo
    • Self-Guided Demo
  • Company
    • About Us
    • Case Studies
    • Be a Reseller
    • MSP Program
    • Get a Quote
    • Contact Us
    • Platform Security
2025 CurrentWare. All Rights Reserved. Based in North America
|
Sitemap
|
Privacy Policy
|
Terms of Service