Internet & network use policy template
Clear guidelines for safe and responsible internet use at work. Helps protect your systems from security threats, maintain network performance and set expectations around appropriate online behaviour.
Internet & network use policy
PDF format • Ready to download
By downloading, you agree to our template disclaimer
Why you need an internet & network use policy
Internet access at work is essential for productivity — but it also creates risks. Employees may unknowingly download malware, visit compromised websites, or use excessive bandwidth streaming content. Without clear guidelines, your business systems and data are vulnerable.
An Internet & Network Use policy protects your organisation by setting clear expectations for safe and appropriate online behaviour. It outlines what's acceptable, what's prohibited, and the security practices employees must follow to protect company systems and networks.
This policy also supports employees by giving them clarity about what they can and cannot do online, including whether personal browsing is allowed and how internet activity is monitored.
Key elements your policy should cover
Essential components of internet use guidelines
Acceptable browsing
Guidelines for appropriate internet use during work hours.
Prohibited sites
Categories of websites that are blocked or not permitted.
Bandwidth considerations
Expectations around data usage and network resources.
Security requirements
Safe browsing practices and avoiding threats.
Personal use limits
Whether personal browsing is permitted and restrictions.
Monitoring disclosure
Notice that internet use may be monitored.
What's included in this template
A comprehensive framework for managing internet access
Purpose & scope
Why internet use guidelines exist and who they apply to.
Policy statement
The organisation's position on workplace internet access.
Acceptable use
What internet activities are permitted for work purposes.
Prohibited activities
Activities and behaviours that are not allowed online.
Blocked content categories
Types of websites and content that are restricted.
Personal use allowances
Rules for personal browsing during work time.
Security requirements
Practices to protect systems from cyber threats.
Bandwidth and downloads
Guidelines for managing network resources responsibly.
Monitoring practices
How internet use may be tracked and reviewed.
Breach consequences
Outcomes for policy violations.
Common internet use scenarios
How your policy should address typical situations
Personal browsing during breaks
Many businesses allow limited personal internet use during breaks or downtime. Your policy should clarify whether this is permitted, what types of sites are still off-limits (even during breaks), and expectations around not interfering with work responsibilities or network performance.
Streaming video or music
Streaming services consume significant bandwidth and can slow network performance for everyone. Establish clear rules about whether streaming is allowed, under what circumstances, and how employees should manage bandwidth usage to avoid impacting business operations.
Clicking suspicious links
Phishing emails and malicious links are common security threats. Your policy should require employees to exercise caution with unfamiliar links, report suspicious emails to IT, and never enter credentials on unexpected login pages — even if they appear legitimate.
Downloading software or files
Unauthorised downloads can introduce malware or licensing compliance issues. Specify that employees must not install software without IT approval, avoid downloading files from untrusted sources, and seek permission before using browser extensions or plugins.
Who should use this template?
Any business providing internet access to employees
Legal disclaimer
This template is designed to reflect Australian workplace standards and Fair Work principles at the time of publication. It is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice.
You should review and tailor this template to suit your business, industry, modern award, enterprise agreement and specific workplace circumstances. For complex situations or disputes, seek independent legal or HR advice.
Regulatory sources
This template is aligned with Australian workplace and privacy requirements.
Ready to secure your network?
Download our Internet & Network Use policy template and set clear guidelines for safe internet access at work.
Looking for more HR templates? Browse all technology & data templates
Store this policy and track employee acknowledgements with RosterElf's HR software.
Related guide
Learn more about implementing this policy
Related templates
Complement your Internet & Network Use policy with these related documents
Disclaimer
This document is a general HR template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.