If you have employees or REALTOR® associates that use your computers,
Internet services, intranet, e-mail, or other technologies, you may be liable
for their mistakes and abuses if a third party should be hurt by their
actions. Having policies in place that cover electronic gaffs can be your best
protection. But do you really want to take the time to write your own?
Jurifax, the first legal publisher to
offer models of Internet contracts in 1997 is introducing seven new models of
technological policies designed to protect companies from liability by teaching
employees and associates their correct and responsible use.
The seven new models are as follows:
- E-Mail Use Policy
- Internet Use Policy
- Computer Use Policy
- Telephone Use Policy
- Fax Use Policy
- Photocopier Use Policy
- Intranet Use Policy
These models of company policies are designed to answer an urgent business
need. Since companies are often at a loss when dealing with improper use of
their technological resources, they must impose guidelines to their employees.
However, barely 10% of companies have such written policies.
"This is a tool that protects both sides," says Michel Vincent, director
general of the three-year-old company. "We began by writing contracts for
companies, including the real estate industry, and we saw a technology gap. So
many companies are employing technologies and are unaware of the risks they
pose."
Although individual laws may exist from country to country, the policies are
applicable anywhere, including the United States.
The Jurifax models of company policies clearly specify the guidelines to
be followed by employees, but the models also indicate such issues as:
The company's various rights, including the right to monitor and
intercept any communication initiated from the company's technological
ressources.
The use of resources for personal purposes.
The protection of the company's and third parties' intellectual
property.
The employees' written commitment to respect the policy;
The applicable sanctions in case of violation, leading in some cases to
dismissal.
The Jurifax models of company policies may be easily adapted to the needs of
franchisors, brokers, and other large companies. The models are offered in
English, French and Spanish, in a readily adaptable digital format, complete
with a user's guide. Special price structures exist for those companies wishing
to purchase more than one model.
Published: December 3, 1998
Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.
