Information Systems Use Policy
Purpose
This Information Systems Use Policy (“Policy”) establishes acceptable and prohibited uses of Avient’s Information Systems to protect Avient and its employees and affiliates from both intentionally and unintentionally harmful actions by Users.
Scope
This policy applies to all Avient Information Systems and all Users of Avient Information Systems, regardless of physical location, to the extent allowed by applicable law.
Usage
Avient provides User access to Information Systems to facilitate business communications and advance Avient business objectives.
Expectations for Use of Information Systems
Users shall:
- Use all Information Systems consistent with their intended purpose, Avient business objectives, and the Code of Conduct;
- Take necessary steps to prevent unauthorized access to and maintain security of Confidential Data;
- Use only approved and secured methods when sharing Confidential Data and ensure recipients have authorization to receive Confidential Data and/or have obtained prior approval from User’s manager; and
- Obtain approval from Avient’s Information Technology department before procuring, installing, connecting, using, or decommissioning software, systems, applications, or non-Avient devices to or from Information Systems, including, but not limited to, on premise and cloud-based systems.
Prohibited Uses of Information Systems
Users shall not use Avient Information Systems for any of the following prohibited uses:
- Any activity prohibited by applicable law;
- Violating Avient Ethics and Corporate Policies;
- Infringing on the intellectual property rights of another individual or company;
- Soliciting for activities or products unrelated to Avient’s business interests in furtherance of an independent business;
- Improper or unauthorized use of email and email distribution lists, including mass or unsolicited emails (such as chain letters) and forging email header information or signatures;
- Exporting, transferring, downloading, copying, or saving Confidential Data or Information Systems to non-approved devices or locations;
- Intentionally introducing security threats to Information Systems or effecting a Cyber or Data Incident; or
- Engaging in any other activity similar to the above that, in Avient’s reasonable judgment, is disruptive to or not in the best interests of its business. This provision is not intended, and will not be used, to inhibit or chill employees’ collective action rights or any other rights protected by law
Additionally, the following Information Systems uses are prohibited unless specifically
authorized by Avient or authorized Avient IT representatives:
- Revealing account usernames, passwords, or other Personal Data to others or allowing use of Information Systems by others, including family and other household members;
- Conducting any form of network monitoring that could intercept data not intended for the recipient User;
- Circumventing User authentication or security of any Information Systems; or
- Using personal devices to access Confidential Data or connect to Information Systems.
Personal Use
Limited personal use of Avient Information Systems, including for social media and networking purposes, is acceptable, but must not breach any law or Avient policies, interfere with the User’s or other employees’ ability to fulfill employment obligations, negatively affect Information Systems, or otherwise violate this Policy.
Users shall store any personal files, notes, pictures, and emails in a separate and clearly
identifiable folder labelled “PERSONAL EMAIL” or “PERSONAL FILES” such that Personal Data is always separate and readily distinguishable within Information Systems from Avient Data or otherwise Confidential Data.
Social Media
Where Avient has created, operates, and/or sponsors a social media platform, only designated authorized Avient representatives may prepare or modify content for, present the views of, or speak on behalf of Avient.
Personal social media involving or referencing Avient must be in accordance with Avient
Corporate and Ethics Policies.
Enforcement and Monitoring
Authorized individuals within Avient IT may monitor or audit Information Systems use, whether company or personal, including, without limitation, Internet traffic and e-mail content, at any time and without prior notice to the User.
Users will immediately report violations of this Policy to the User’s manager, an Avient Human Resources manager, or the IT Department. All Users must take reasonable action to avoid breaching this Policy.
Users have no right or expectation of privacy in Avient’s Information Systems, to the extent allowed by applicable law. By using Avient’s Information Systems, Users acknowledge the potential auditing, interception, or disclosure of data contained on or passing through Information Systems.
Employees found to have violated this policy will be subject to internal disciplinary action by Avient in appropriate cases, up to and including immediate termination of employment. Temporary contract workers, independent contractors, and consultants are subject to the provisions of the relevant service agreements. Any Users found to have violated this Policy may be subject to legal action by Avient, third parties, and/or governmental entities.
Reservation of Rights
Avient reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to amend, suspend, or terminate this Policy without prior notice to the extent permitted by law. This Policy does not create a contract of employment, and does not alter an employee’s status as an at-will employee.
Please click here to download and sign the Information Systems Use Policy.