Internet Messaging

Any use of Instant Messaging must comply fully with any governmental or regulatory directive.

All IM's must be consistent with Northeast Data, Inc.'s policies, practices, and commitment to ensuring a work environment where all persons are treated with respect and dignity. The informality of IM does not exempt it from Company, governmental, or regulatory policies and standards applicable to all forms of communication with the public.

Only authorized and approved instant messaging client software that is configured per company standards may be used at Northeast Data, Inc.

Misuse of Company resources and conduct in violation of Company policy will result in disciplinary action in accordance with Company policy, up to and including termination.

The only approved IM software is currently, Microsoft Teams. Exceptions will be made on a per case basis.

Northeast Data, Inc. strictly prohibits all of the following:

• Messages that are determined by the Company to be defamatory, abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing or otherwise inappropriate;
• Messages that are determined by the Company to be offensive in light of the Company's Equal Employment Opportunity Policy;
• Messages that disclose confidential information about Company operations, employees, services, or systems to any recipient not authorized to receive such information;
• Messages that involve conducting business on behalf of an entity other than Northeast Data, Inc. or on behalf of any individual, including yourself;
• Messages that serve as advertising or solicitation;
• The collection and/or transmission of material in violation of any federal, state, or local law or Northeast Data, Inc. policies.
• Attempting to gain access to another employee's instant messenger user ID with out that employee's express permission, except as allowed by this policy; and
• Using Instant Messaging to conduct Company business or business on behalf of Northeast Data, Inc. with in Northeast Data Inc or with third parties.

(For example, such activities as negotiating contract terms or selling products.)

Unauthorized Use

Unauthorized e-mail, instant messaging, and Internet chat rooms consume network bandwidth that is needed for administrative use. They also expose employees to harassing or threatening messages and even viruses. Friendly usage of these applications can distract employees from work, in the same manner as cellular telephones and pagers. Therefore, Northeast Data, Inc. will not allow employees to use company computers to access personal e-mail, instant messaging programs, or Internet chat rooms, unless those applications are required for the employee to process their work. The decision as to whether e-mail or instant messaging is required for a specific purpose rests with the Northeast Data, Inc. Office.

Special Responsibilities for Managerial Staff

As with any policy, management staff is expected to serve as role models for proper compliance with the provisions above and are encouraged to regularly remind employees of their responsibilities in complying with this policy.

Anyone found in violation will be subject to the Immediate Termination Policy.

If there are any questions regarding this policy, please contact the Operations Department at 570-996-6666.