What an acceptable use policy is
An acceptable use policy, often called an AUP, tells people how they may use company devices, accounts, and data. It is a written set of expectations. An employee acceptable use policy is the version you ask staff to read. It does not, by itself, make a rule enforceable.
Who needs an AUP
An AUP for a small business is useful when more than one person can reach company email, files, or devices.
- Small businesses that issue email, laptops, or shared files.
- MSP clients who want a written policy their IT provider can point to.
- Remote teams that use home networks, personal phones, and company accounts.
What an acceptable use policy covers
- Devices: company computers, phones, and accounts.
- Email: company mail and forwarding.
- Internet: browsing on the company network.
- Data: customer and company information, and where it may be stored.
- Social media: posts about the business and use of company accounts.
- BYOD: personal phones and laptops used for work.
- Consequences: what the business may do if someone ignores the policy, such as removing access.
A sample acceptable use policy outline
This is a generic outline you can read before you use the tool. It is not an IT acceptable use policy example you should publish as-is, and it is not a finished policy.
- Purpose. Why the business has this policy.
- Who it applies to. Employees, contractors, and anyone with access.
- Devices and accounts. Company computers, phones, and logins.
- Email. What company email is for, including forwarding.
- Internet and social media. Expected use of the network and public posts.
- Data. What information stays inside the business, and where it may be stored.
- BYOD. Rules for personal phones and laptops used for work.
- Consequences. Access may be removed, and any other steps the business decides on.
- Acknowledgement. A place for the person to confirm they read it.
This is not legal advice. A policy from this generator is a starting point. Have a qualified attorney review it before you rely on it.
How the free generator works
- Enter your email, and your first name if you want.
- We email your access link. Check your junk and spam folder too.
- Open the generator, draft your policy from the outline, and have a qualified person review it before you adopt it.
Questions
What is an acceptable use policy?
An acceptable use policy is a written set of expectations for how people use company devices, email, internet access, and data. It is not a guarantee that a rule is legal or enforceable.
Who needs an acceptable use policy template?
Small businesses, MSP clients, and remote teams use one when people share company email, files, or devices. An AUP for a small business can be short and still name what is allowed and what happens if it is ignored.
What does an IT acceptable use policy example cover?
A typical outline covers devices, email, internet, data, social media, BYOD, and consequences. The outline on this page is generic. It is not a complete policy for your business.
Is this employee acceptable use policy legal advice?
This is not legal advice. A policy from this generator is a starting point. Have a qualified attorney review it before you rely on it.
How does the free acceptable use policy generator work?
Enter your email. We send an access link. You use the tool to draft a policy, then review it before you ask anyone to follow it.
What does the free tool cost?
The Acceptable Use Policy Generator costs $0. Builder Pro, a separate product for turning policies into SOPs, is $39/mo.