Downloading and using instant messaging (IM) software on Company computers is only allowed at the instruction of the Company. All IM communications and information transmitted, received, or archived in the Company's IM system belong to the Company. Employees have no reasonable expectation of privacy when using the Company’s IM system.
The Company reserves the right to monitor, access, and disclose all employee IM communications. The Company’s IM system is intended for business use only. Employees are required to respect computer resources, colleagues’ time, and their own time and send only instant messages that are directly related to business needs. Sending personal instant messages or engaging in unnecessary chat unrelated to business needs is prohibited.
Employees should treat IM messages as business records that may be retained and used as evidence in litigation, audits, and investigations. Therefore, it is critically important that all employees use professional and appropriate language in all instant messages. Employees are prohibited from sending abusive, harassing, threatening, menacing, discriminatory, pornographic, disrespectful, or otherwise offensive instant messages. In addition, employees are prohibited from sending jokes, rumors, or gossip via IM.
