Internet Acceptable Use Policy FAQ

What is an Internet Acceptable Use Policy?

1. An Internet Acceptable Use Policy is a set of guidelines that outline what an organization finds acceptable, and what it finds unacceptable where Internet use is concerned. It may fit into one paragraph, or ten pages. It may prohibit all Internet use not related to work, or it may allow a specified amount of personal Internet use within well-defined limits.

2. How can I develop a company Internet Acceptable Use Policy?

A good place to start is Vicomsoft’s Internet Acceptable Use Policy guidelines.

3. What is a content filter?

A content filter is a software program that either blocks or allows access to Internet content depending on whether or not the content meets a set of criteria. These criteria depend on the type of filter. Some filters look for keywords or artificial intelligence. Others, such as InterGate’s CyberNOT list are based on lists of Internet sites evaluated by humans. Criteria may also include time of day, or total time spent online by individual users.

4. Why do many people want filtering?

There are numerous reasons why people want content filters. Depending on where an organization is established, simply creating Internet Acceptable Use Policy guidelines and informing staff may not protect management from criminal prosecution should illegal material be found on company computers. Other people simply prefer having peace of mind knowing that no inappropriate material is allowed on the network.

5. Can filtering programs be turned off or circumvented by end users?

Browser based filters can usually be circumvented. Even if they are password protected, end-users can install a different browser with no filters and browse any site they like. Server-based content filters such as InterGate with CyberNOT enabled, cannot be circumvented. Settings are password protected. If the server is shut down or tampered with in any way, Internet access will be interrupted and no sites can be visited. There are no settings on individual machines to tamper with.

6. I don't want to filter, but I do want to know what my staff are viewing. Is that possible?

It is possible to log Internet activity using server-based Internet access management software such as InterGate. Log files can be examined to determine which users access which content. Many employers prefer this method considering that it is a sufficient deterrent to irresponsible net use.

7. What is the scope of Internet content filtering? Do filters cover the WWW? Newsgroups? Internet Relay Chat (IRC)?

Most Internet content filters can filter web sites, newsgroups and chat rooms. Web sites are usually filtered on a case-by-case basis. As a general rule, business and education users alike prefer to prohibit access to chat rooms as they are unlikely to be sources of appropriate material. Newsgroups can be valuable sources of technical information for many businesses. They are also the most likely place to find illegal and offensive content. Because anyone can post anything to a newsgroup, unlike web sites, it is unsafe to assume that any particular newsgroup will not contain offensive material. Most concerned users prefer to block newsgroups altogether.