Like many high technology, information-based enterprises, access to the Internet and electronic mail is provided by the Department of Energy to Federal employees and contractors to increase productivity and facilitate collaboration. Due to the easy access and open culture of the Internet, there are many types of information available for both work-related and recreational uses. As organizations and individuals continue to exploit the vast potential of the Internet, issues of appropriate use quickly arise.

Department of Energy employees and contractors are reminded that Internet services, including the World Wide Web, electronic mail, and the equipment required to access and use them, are provided by the Department of Energy for authorized purposes only. Unauthorized uses of Internet and e-mail technology, include, but are not limited to, those that: (1) result in a loss of productivity or impair the performance of the Department’s network; (2) are unlawful or offensive to fellow employees or the public (e.g., gambling, hate speech or material that ridicules on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, sex, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation); (3) transmit sexually explicit or sexually oriented material; or (4) allow unauthorized access to controlled information (e.g., computer software, privacy information, classified or other non-public data, copyright, trademark or other intellectual property rights). Please see DOE Order 203.1 "Limited Personal Use of Government Office Equipment Including Information Technology" for additional information and guidance.

DOE employees do not have a right, nor should they have an expectation, of privacy while using Government resources at any time, including accessing the Internet or e-mail. Personal use of Government resources will be deemed to grant the Department consent to review and disclose the contents of communications when appropriate or mandated by law. Occasional incidents of misuse of the Internet, electronic mail, equipment and duty time by Department Federal employees and contractors have been discovered. Misuse of these Government resources is a violation of the law and a serious breech of our core values. In the past, a number of employees have been counseled, officially reprimanded, or had their employment terminated as a result of such misuse. Criminal charges have been placed in at least one case.

As public servants, we must hold ourselves to the highest standards of behavior and stewardship. Managers and supervisors must ensure that employees know the risks associated with inappropriate use of Government resources and are responsible for taking appropriate disciplinary action if misuse occurs. All should be aware that information sent over the Internet or as attachments to electronic mail can be monitored, recorded, and accessed by the general public. The Department’s policy of zero tolerance for the inappropriate use of the Internet and electronic mail must be clearly understood and followed by all.