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An acceptable use policy (AUP) explains how people may—and may not—use an organization’s specified technology and computing resources. It sets expectations for users, defines the resources and people covered, and describes restrictions, conditions, exceptions, and where to get help. The details depend on the organization; there is no universal AUP that fits every system or user group.
What an acceptable use policy means
An AUP is an organization’s statement of expected and prohibited behavior when people use defined information systems or computing resources. It makes clear what the organization permits, what users are responsible for, and what conditions apply.
NIST’s computer-security policy guidance describes an issue-specific policy as a way to define an issue and its relevant terms or conditions, state management’s position, and clarify expectations and accountability. That is useful context for understanding an AUP, but it does not prescribe one standard policy for every organization. NIST SP 800-12 Rev. 1
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What an AUP covers
A useful AUP makes its boundaries and instructions clear. Depending on the organization, it may address:
- Scope: The systems, networks, devices, data, accounts, or services governed, and the users covered.
- Expected behavior: Permitted use and user responsibilities, written in direct, practical language.
- Restrictions and conditions: Prohibited or limited activities, relevant definitions, and any exceptions or conditions.
- Related rules and guidance: How the AUP fits with other organizational policies and where users can ask questions.
These elements should reflect the organization’s actual systems and users rather than rely on a generic set of rules. The University of Bristol, for example, describes its AUP in terms of responsibilities and required behavior for users of university information systems, networks, and computers. Its policy page reports changes following an annual review in May–July 2026, illustrating why institution-specific rules should be checked in their current form. University of Bristol acceptable use policy
Personal use is not always prohibited
An AUP’s rules about personal use vary. The University of Oregon’s policy, enacted June 29, 2026, permits incidental personal use of university computing resources subject to university policy, legal requirements, and the condition that it not disrupt university operations. This is one institution’s rule, not a general standard for other organizations. University of Oregon acceptable use policy
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Use involving external systems
An organization may need to explain how its rules apply when users connect to systems it does not own or control. NIST SP 800-171 discusses approaches to limiting use of external systems and aligning terms with trust relationships and shared responsibilities. The appropriate treatment depends on the systems and relationships involved; an AUP should not imply that the organization controls infrastructure beyond its authority. NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 3
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Why organizations use an AUP
An AUP gives users a shared reference for permitted and prohibited use, clarifies their responsibilities, and states the organization’s expectations for its systems. It also helps connect those expectations to related policies and identifies a route for users to seek guidance. Its value depends on whether its scope and rules match the organization’s real environment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Legal and policy considerations
An AUP is an organizational policy, but its legal effect is not universal. Enforceability and related issues—including employment, privacy, monitoring, education requirements, and sector-specific regulation—depend on the jurisdiction and use case. Organizations should obtain advice appropriate to their circumstances rather than treat a general definition as legal guidance.
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