Website Acceptable Use Policy

This document is a website acceptable use policy. The policy can be used by websites which are based in the United Kingdom.

The purpose of an acceptable use policy is to set out the standards and rules which users of the website must comply with wherever they are using the website.

It is equally important for a website to have a document which sets out its terms and conditions of use. The terms and conditions of use will be binding upon a website user and they should refer to an acceptable use policy, making the terms of the policy also binding upon the user.

Website operators should also consider the appropriateness and necessity of any further policies. For example:

• a website should generally always hold a privacy notice and a privacy policy;
• where a website uses cookies or other similar technologies, a cookie policy should be held; or
• where the website sells any goods or services they shall also need a terms and conditions of sale document.

Where a website concerns regulated activities (including those covered by the Financial Conduct Authority), encourages dangerous or risky activities, offers legally restricted content or products, this document should not be used and specialist document should be obtained.

In addition, where the website is specifically designed for use by children, this document should not be used. Where online services are provided which are for use by children or likely to be used by children, the Age Appropriate Design Code (published by the Information Commissioner's Office) should be carefully followed when creating an acceptable use policy.

How to use the document

This document should be filled out with the relevant information. Once completed, the policy should be displayed on the website and should be made accessible to website users. The website should ensure its terms and conditions of use refer to the acceptable use policy.

Relevant law

The main legal frameworks applicable to this document are:

• The Consumer Rights Act 2015
• The Company, Limited Liability Partnership and Business (Names and Trading Disclosures) Regulations 2015
• The Equality Act 2010
• The Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999
• The Communications Act 2003

The governing/supervisory body for upholding information rights is the Information Commissioners Office (the ICO).

Help from a lawyer

You can choose to consult a lawyer if you need help.

The lawyer can answer your questions or help you through the process. You will be offered this option when you complete the document.

How to modify the template

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.