Why Do You Need An Internet Policy For Your Business?

Because it is critical for your business success in the age of information and instant communication. An Internet Policy could save your business a lot of money, and avoid inappropriate use of the Internet by your staff, which could not only be detrimental to your commercial reputation, but also expose you to legal liabilities.

Research has shown that the temptation for staff to surf for personal reasons is common throughout the workplace. The loss of productivity has been estimated to be in excess of 30% by IDC. If the productivity loss does not concern you, then you must at least consider your statutory obligations as an employer.

As you know, you are accountable for the actual use of the internet by your employees. But, do you know that you also have a legal responsibility to protect your staff from inappropriate behaviour of a sexual, racist, or abusive/offensive nature? For example, a download of offensive material by an employee, whether intentional or not, exposes your business to the risk of legal proceedings.

Of course, even legitimate online sharing of information must avoid either the infringement of intellectual property rights, or breach of any confidentiality agreement. This is where an effective Internet Policy establishes a comprehensive set of rules and guidelines to enable your business to manage these risks.



"The first rule of any technology used in a business is that automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the efficiency. The second is that automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency."
Bill Gates