Acceptable use policy
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An acceptable use policy (AUP) (also acceptable usage policy or fair use policy (FUP)) is a set of rules applied by the owner, creator, possessor or administrator of a computer network, website, or service that restricts the ways in which the network, website or system may be used and sets guidelines as to how it should be used.[1]
Terminology
[edit]An acceptable use agreement, sometimes also known as an access agreement or a user agreement, defines the responsibilities of users accessing a given system or a given information item.[2]
Common elements of AUP statements
[edit]In a handbook for writing AUP documents, the Virginia Department of Education indicate that there are three other areas needing to be addressed in an AUP:[3]
- a statement that the AUP is in compliance with state and national telecommunication rules and regulations
- a statement regarding the need to maintain personal safety and privacy while accessing the Internet
- a statement regarding the need to comply with Fair Use Laws and other copyright regulations while accessing the Internet
See also
[edit]- Terms of service
- Lee v. PMSI, Inc., a U.S. District Court Case that found violating an acceptable use policy did not violate the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
References
[edit]- ^ Doherty, Neil Francis; Anastasakis, Leonidas; Fulford, Heather (17 July 2010). "Reinforcing the security of corporate information resources: A critical review of the role of the acceptable use policy". International Journal of Information Management. 31 (3): 201–209. doi:10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2010.06.001.
- ^ "Glossary: user agreement". National Institute of Standards and Technology. United States Department of Commerce. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
- ^ "Acceptable Use Policies: A Handbook". Virginia Department of Education. Archived from the original on 31 March 2007. Retrieved 27 June 2021.