IT Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) Discussion Board
In this discussion post, I've chosen to examine the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for Facebook and WhatsApp. I was initially perplexed because I could not locate general Acceptable Use Policies for these social networking sites. Nonetheless, I've observed that Facebook and WhatsApp refer to their AUPs as Terms of Service. Facebook has provided AUPs for both this website's consumer version and business use. Each of their policies is written with clarity and coherence, making them simple to comprehend. For the consumer version, the policies are organized into four main categories, each with an in-depth explanation of their implications. In addition, the AUP for the consumer version explains in detail the policies regarding who is permitted to use this App, what can be shared here, the permission users must grant to Facebook, and the restrictions on using Facebook's intellectual property. According to McDonald (n.d.), AUPs should be written transparently so that users can comprehend and adh
I decided to review the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for Facebook and WhatsApp in this discussion post. I was initially confused because I could not locate general Acceptable Use Policies for these networking sites. However, I noticed that both Facebook and WhatsApp have referred to their AUPs as Terms of Service. Facebook has offered AUPs for the consumer version of this site and for an organization's use. Each of their policies is written clearly and coherently, which can be easily understood. For the consumer version, the policies are grouped into four major categories, each followed by a detailed explanation of their implications. Additionally, the policies pertaining to who is allowed to use this App, what can be shared here, the permission that users should give to Facebook, and limits relating to using Facebook's intellectual property have been comprehensively explained in the AUP for the consumer version (Facebook, n.d). According to McDonald (n.d), to enable individuals to comprehend AUPs clearly and abide by them, they should be written in a transparent manner. However, Facebook AUPs for organization's use have been listed in point form with no thorough explanations, which I deem somehow challenging to understand. Thus, to improve this, I would utilize sections and subsections to ensure that users can easily understand each policy. I would add a plan relating to correcting any usage issues to ensure that these policies effectively protect the information assets and minimize risks.
Additionally, WhatsApp AUPs are more compelling, coherent, and clear. The policies are in three major points, with each point including several other policies which fall into each category (WhatsApp, n.d). However, the manner in which this App’s AUPs are written is prone to different interpretations by different individuals. For instance, one policy states that an individual should not use WhatsApp services in a manner that violates WhatsApp rights. Ways of violation might differ from one individual to another (Masur & Trepte, 2021). This implies what one individual might consider a violation; another might consider it to be in alignment with their norms due to the distinct backgrounds which possess different beliefs. Moreover, these policies have mixed simple and complicated language, which might present difficulties in understanding. Thus, to improve the existing WhatsApp AUPs, I would delete the complex terminologies and incorporate simple terms for easy understanding by individuals from different backgrounds. In addition, both Facebook and WhatsApp have clearly indicated that one must be 13years and above to be able to use these sites. Facebook has included a detailed explanation of each of its four major policies. I would recommend WhatsApp to do the same since the main goal of AUPs is to ensure that all users understand and conform to them.
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