4.11 | Internet Use

This policy applies to all electronic media and services (for example, computers, e-mail, telephones, voicemail, fax machines, external electronic bulletin boards, on-line services, and the Internet) that are accessed on or from Common Thread Collective’ premises, accessed using Common Thread Collective’ equipment, or via Common Thread Collective-paid access methods, and/or used in a manner that identifies the individual with Common Thread Collective.  

Personal Use of Common Thread Collective-Provided Electronic Systems:  Electronic media and services provided by Common Thread Collective are for business use.  While occasional and brief personal use is permitted, entrepreneurs must limit personal use to rest breaks and meal periods and other non-working time.  Entrepreneurs must demonstrate a sense of responsibility and may not abuse this privilege.  Common Thread Collective reserves the right to access, use and disclose all messages sent over its electronic systems and to monitor Internet activity without regard to content.  Any entrepreneur  abusing the privilege of employer-provided access to electronic media or services will be subject to corrective action.

Prohibited Use of Electronic Systems: CTC has strict policies against unlawful discrimination and harassment based on any characteristic protected by state or federal law, and these policies apply to entrepreneur  conduct on CTC’s Electronic Communication Systems.  Accordingly, entrepreneurs may not use electronic systems in any way that may be seen as insulting, harassing, or offensive by other persons.  Examples of forbidden transmissions include sexually explicit or X-rated messages, cartoons, or jokes; unwelcome propositions or love letters; ethnic or racial slurs; or any other message that can be construed to be harassment or disparagement of others based on their sex, race, sexual orientation, age, national origin, religion, or other protected basis.  
Entrepreneurs are prohibited from using CTC’s Electronic Communication Systems to intentionally receive, save, store, send, forward, disseminate, deliver, publish, or solicit pornographic, obscene, graphic, X-rated, or sexually suggestive or explicit material.  

Entrepreneurs are prohibited from using CTC’s Electronic Communication Systems to intentionally receive, save, store, send, forward, disseminate, deliver, publish, or solicit annoying, embarrassing, harassing, offensive, derogatory, or defamatory messages or information. 

Entrepreneurs are prohibited from using CTC’s Electronic Communication Systems to copy or download any file, software, upgrade, or other material from any website or email, or to install any software on our computer system without express approval.

Entrepreneurs are prohibited from using CTC’s Electronic Communication Systems to copy, download, upload, transmit, or disseminate any copyrighted or other legally protected information.  Entrepreneurs must comply with all copyright, patent, trademark, and licensing laws. 

Entrepreneurs are prohibited from using CTC’s Electronic Communication Systems to participate or engage in any gambling. 

Entrepreneurs are prohibited from using CTC’s Electronic Communications Policy to improperly solicit or distribute literature in violation of CTC’s Solicitations Policy.

Entrepreneurs are prohibited from using CTC’s Electronic Communication Systems to alter, tamper with, copy, download, send, transmit, or remove any Company files, information, software, or other property without proper and legally binding authorization.

Entrepreneurs are prohibited from using CTC’s Electronic Communication Systems in any way that creates a potential or actual conflict of interest, or is detrimental, damaging, in competition with, or against CTC’s interests.

Entrepreneurs are prohibited from accessing or using CTC’s Electronic Communication Systems from their personal smartphones, tablets, or other personal computing devices unless specifically authorized by CTC.

Management Right to Access Information – No Right of Privacy:  Electronic mail, the electronic mail system, Internet access, and other electronic systems have been installed by Common Thread Collective to facilitate business communications.  Although entrepreneurs may have individual passwords to access these systems, all communications, including personal communications and the passwords, belong to Common Thread Collective.  Common Thread Collective reserves the right, without entrepreneur  notice or permission, to review any entrepreneur ’s electronic files, e-mail messages and Internet usage to ensure that electronic systems are being used in compliance with the law and with Common Thread Collective policies.  Common Thread Collective respects its entrepreneurs’ individual privacy interests; however, entrepreneur  privacy does not extend to your work-related conduct or to the use of company-provided equipment or supplies.  Therefore, you should never assume electronic communications using Common Thread Collective’ electronic equipment are private and confidential.

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