Internet & network use policy template
A free, ready-to-edit internet and network use policy for Australian workplaces. Set clear rules for acceptable use, define what personal browsing is allowed, protect your systems from cyber threats and give staff a plain-English monitoring notice — no signup required.
Internet & network use policy
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By downloading, you agree to our template disclaimer
This internet and network use policy template reflects Australian workplace, privacy and surveillance standards at the time of publication and is provided as a general guide to adapt for your business, industry and IT environment. It does not constitute legal, HR, or professional advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for advice specific to your business, workforce, or circumstances.
Why your workplace needs an internet use policy
Internet access is essential for getting work done — but it also exposes your business to real risk. A single click on a phishing link, an unauthorised download, or hours of streaming on the office connection can compromise data, slow the network and create liability. An internet and network use policy sets clear expectations before any of that happens.
A good policy explains what employees can and can’t do online, how much personal use is acceptable, the security practices everyone must follow, and the fact that internet activity on work systems may be monitored. It protects your systems and data while giving staff certainty about where the line sits. The policy works hand in hand with your email policy, IT device use policy and information security policy.
It applies to all employees, contractors and guests who access your internet or network on company-provided or personal devices. Store the policy and capture acknowledgements in your HR software so you can show every worker has read and accepted it.
What an internet use policy should cover
The building blocks of acceptable use at work
Acceptable use
Using the internet and network for legitimate business purposes.
Prohibited use
Illegal downloads, offensive content, and activity that risks security or reputation.
Personal use limits
Whether incidental personal browsing is allowed, and the conditions on it.
Security requirements
Safe browsing, avoiding suspicious links and reporting threats to IT.
Monitoring notice
Clear notice that internet activity on work systems may be logged and reviewed.
Breach consequences
What happens when the policy is broken, applied fairly and consistently.
What's included in this template
A complete framework for managing internet and network access
Purpose & scope
Why the rules exist and who and what devices they apply to.
Acceptable use
Permitted business use and limited, incidental personal use.
Prohibited activities
Illegal, offensive, harassing or insecure activity that is not allowed.
Personal use allowances
What personal browsing is permitted during breaks and the limits on it.
Security requirements
Safe browsing, software downloads, links and reporting obligations.
Bandwidth & downloads
Managing streaming, large downloads and shared network resources.
Monitoring & privacy
How activity may be monitored and how it is handled.
Breach & consequences
The disciplinary outcomes for misuse.
Related policies
Links to email, device use and information security policies.
Review & acknowledgement
Policy maintenance and employee sign-off.
Getting the rules right
Where Australian internet use policies most often go wrong
Give a clear monitoring notice
Australian employers can monitor internet use on work systems, but most states regulate how. NSW, the ACT and Victoria have workplace surveillance laws that require employees to be notified — usually in writing and in advance — before computer or internet monitoring begins. Spell the notice out in the policy and have staff acknowledge it. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner provides guidance on handling any personal information collected.
Be specific about personal use
Vague rules like “reasonable personal use” cause disputes. State plainly whether incidental personal browsing is allowed, when (for example, during breaks), and what is always off-limits — even on a break. Pairing this with a monitoring policy keeps expectations and enforcement aligned.
The acceptable-use principles
Business first
The internet and network are provided primarily to do your job.
Stay secure
Avoid suspicious links, unauthorised downloads and unapproved software.
Nothing unlawful
No illegal, offensive, discriminatory or harassing content or activity.
Respect the network
Don't waste bandwidth on heavy streaming or large personal downloads.
Apply consequences consistently. Minor breaches may warrant a reminder or coaching, while serious or repeated misuse can lead to formal warnings or termination through a fair misconduct process.
Internet use rules sit inside a wider technology framework. Pair this policy with an email policy for communications, an IT device use policy for company hardware, a social media policy for online conduct, and an information security policy for data protection. The Fair Work Ombudsman and Safe Work Australia provide further guidance on workplace policies and reasonable management action.
Who should use this template?
Any Australian business that gives staff internet or network access
Especially valuable for businesses with shared networks, public-facing systems or staff handling sensitive data.
Compliance resources
Official guidance on workplace policies, surveillance and privacy.
Manage your policies the easy way
RosterElf helps Australian businesses store policies, capture employee acknowledgements at onboarding and keep an audit trail — all in one place.
Related guides
Write and roll out workplace policies the right way
Related templates
Build out your technology & data framework
Internet use policy FAQ
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An internet use policy (also called an acceptable use or network use policy) is a document that sets out how employees may use an organisation’s internet and network. It defines acceptable and prohibited use, the limits on personal browsing, the security practices staff must follow, and the fact that activity on work systems may be monitored — protecting the business from cyber threats, liability and lost productivity.
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Yes. This template gives you a solid foundation, but you should tailor it to your IT systems, security requirements, industry regulations and the workplace surveillance laws in your state. It’s worth reviewing it with your IT team and, for complex situations, an HR or legal adviser. Once finalised, store it and track acknowledgements in your HR software.
Before you download
General information only — not legal advice
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.