What is Acceptable Use Policy Drafting?
An Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is a document containing guidelines for how users in an organization can and can’t use a company’s networks and computers. It serves to clarify expectations for their working relationship, helping to prevent security or data violations and prevent disputes.
If you need to draft an Acceptable Use Policy, read the rest of this article. We’ll dive into what key terms must be included in it, how to draft it to protect parties’ interests, and why a qualified lawyer is advisable to consult for the drafting process.
What Key Terms Should be in an Acceptable Use Policy?
An Acceptable Use Policy should contain the following information to provide clarity between parties.
- Purpose. This specifies the reason for the AUP.
- Scope. This section outlines the rules and what tools or digital systems are covered by the policy.
- Permitted uses. It’s essential to explain exactly how users are allowed to use the digital systems, networks, and/or tools.
- Security. To protect the company’s sensitive info, the policy must specify how private information and data will be protected. This can include having strong passwords.
- Consequences. There must be consequences for how violations of the agreement will be handled, such as written warnings or litigation.
- Monitoring. The company might want to monitor users’ activities to prevent violations.
- Software installation. The agreement should specify how software can be installed and maintained to reduce the risk of security problems.
What are Tips for Drafting an Acceptable Use Policy?
When writing an Acceptable Use Policy, there are some important things to consider so that it’s clear and comprehensive.
Provide an Introduction
Start the policy by specifying the policy’s purpose, such as to protect employees and the organization itself. It should also explain that every user is responsible for their actions when using software and other company resources.
Consider Your Business Model
Before drafting your AUP, you should customize the policy according to how users will interact with your specific services or products, instead of completely relying on a generic document template. Since different platforms encounter different risks, you want the AUP to be detailed and specified.
Specify Non-Employee Usage
You should clarify how non-employees are allowed to use company tools and other resources. They should also be informed of any guidelines they need to follow to protect the company against unauthorized access.
Clarify Prohibited Uses
While your Acceptable Use Policy should specify authorized uses, such as using software for research and messaging apps for business communication, you should also clarify what uses are prohibited.
For example, this could include accessing illegal content or using company assets for personal reasons. You want to be as clear as possible so that users know what’s allowed and what isn’t.
Keep it Legal
Make sure that the Acceptable Use Policy matches all local labor laws and cybersecurity regulations. If you’re unsure of what’s legally required, you should consult with a qualified lawyer who can help you maintain compliance.
Update it Regularly
Your AUP isn’t finished when you’ve drafted it. You should regularly review and update it regularly, such as when new technologies are developed or new security risks arise.
How Does a Lawyer Help with Acceptable Use Policy Drafting?
If you need to draft an Acceptable Use Policy, you might want to ask a lawyer for help. This will ensure that every term in the policy is clear and specific to help parties avoid misunderstandings.
A lawyer can conduct various activities during the drafting process to protect your interests, such as:
- Aligning the policy with all relevant regulations, laws, and industry standards. This reduces your risk of non-compliance.
- Defining non-authorized activities so that there’s no confusion between parties. This also serves to improve legal enforcement.
- Limiting legal liability. They do this by writing provisions that will protect your organization from user misconduct claims.
- Checking that the AUP is aligned with other company documents, such as a Terms of Service, for consistency.
- Protecting intellectual property. This will prevent infringing on copyrights, patents, and other creations.
- Evaluating security measures. A lawyer will write specific security provisions to protect you against threats such as phishing or malicious software.
- Supporting you in disputes. By providing clarity regarding how disputes can be effectively resolved, such as via mediation or arbitration, a lawyer can help you to avoid costly and time-consuming litigation.
- Reviewing the Acceptable Use Policy. A qualified lawyer can help you to ensure the AUP stays relevant by reviewing it regularly and updating it whenever technology, laws, and business practices change.
Where to Find a Lawyer for Acceptable Use Policy Drafting
If you need to find a lawyer to draft your Acceptable Use Policy, you don’t have to ask people you know for recommendations or call traditional law firms. Online legal platforms make it easy to conduct a lawyer search.
ContractsCounsel is one of the largest online legal marketplaces that gives you access to a network of vetted lawyers. You’ll quickly connect with a lawyer who’s experienced in contract drafting and will ensure every term in the AUP is legally valid and specific.
To request that a lawyer on the ContractsCounsel platform drafts your Acceptable Use Policy, follow these steps:
- Go to the ContractsCounsel marketplace, where you can post your project for free. Try to mention a few details about the project to match with the best lawyers, such as what essential company resources you want to protect with the document.
- Receive lawyer bids. You’ll receive multiple bids from lawyers directly on the platform who can assist you.
- Once you receive the lawyer bids, review the lawyers’ profiles to select the most suitable one. There’s lots of info on the platform, such as their location, credentials, client ratings, years of experience, and field of expertise.
- Connect with a lawyer and hire them to draft your Acceptable Use Policy for a flat fee.
