E-mail privacy in a company

[Dalar]

Does anyone know anything about privacy laws (or if there are any) for e-mail? Basically, I'm working as the only IT manager (I started 3 months ago) for a construction firm and we really have no signed policy. The only type of "rules" we have are said in a brief introduction that I give. If I were to say look into another person's e-mail (which I can in MS Outlook by giving myself permission to their mailbox), can they sue me or the company? I know someone knows something on this MUD!

http://www.nolo.com/article.cfm/ObjectI ... 4/220/ART/

[Vigis]

I don't know what state you are in Dalar, but in most states, it is not illegal, nor can they sue you or the company.

Since the system is company owned, all communication sent along that system is company owned. You might have people leave because they feel that their privacy is being compromised, but there will be nothing that can stand up in court.

The easiest way to make sure that you and your company is protected is to have an email policy written up and presented to all incoming employees. Also, make sure to email it to all current employees and let them know that you can and will be monitoring email in order to make sure it is for company use only. You don't have to monitor it at all, but should something become suspicious, the policy will give you the right to check for any illegal or damaging communication that has been sent via your system.

[Dalar]

California

[Dalar]

I don't know what state you are in Dalar, but in most states, it is not illegal, nor can they sue you or the company.

Since the system is company owned, all communication sent along that system is company owned. You might have people leave because they feel that their privacy is being compromised, but there will be nothing that can stand up in court.

The easiest way to make sure that you and your company is protected is to have an email policy written up and presented to all incoming employees. Also, make sure to email it to all current employees and let them know that you can and will be monitoring email in order to make sure it is for company use only. You don't have to monitor it at all, but should something become suspicious, the policy will give you the right to check for any illegal or damaging communication that has been sent via your system.

nod, this is pretty much my intent

[kiryan]

Technically, you probably don't need a policy. The courts have ruled pretty consistently that activities conducted at work are not private and belong to the company. However, a formal policy protects the company from most litigation and most companies have one.

What I would suggest is an "acceptable use of computer systems" policy which would govern what activities they are allowed to use computers and an addendum policy "acceptable use of the networks". In the first you state that no non-work related activities are allowed to be conducted on any of the company's computer systems. On the second you state that use of the company's networks and the internet from company equipment is to be used for the company's business purposes only. On both you state that all activities may be recorded, monitored and reported at the company's discretion.

Be careful of stating punishments. Creating a policy then failing to enforce the policy often creates additional liability.

Have HR "train" / inform the employees, they usually do this by distributing a copy of the policy and require a signature.

[Dalar]

I should have read the employee handbook. It's all there haha. I feel like Teflor - a noob.

[Botef]

[Mitharx]

And general PSA: Don't ever send stuff you don't want anyone you work with to know about at work. Nothing is ever truly gone. While extracting the info for the Enron case, they found volumes of embarassing and hilarious deleted e-mails.

[teflor the ranger]

I feel like Teflor - a noob.

The noob is quite you all on your own. I already wrote an acceptable use policy. You as bad on the mud as you are on the job?

If you want I can e-mail you a copy. It might help.

[Arilin Nydelahar]

I feel like Teflor - a noob.

The noob is quite you all on your own. I already wrote an acceptable use policy. You as bad on the mud as you are on the job?

If you want I can e-mail you a copy. It might help.

I dunno how Brian is at his Job but he's a damn good mudder. What you said is utterly baseless.

[teflor the ranger]

I feel like Teflor - a noob.

The noob is quite you all on your own. I already wrote an acceptable use policy. You as bad on the mud as you are on the job?

If you want I can e-mail you a copy. It might help.

I dunno how Brian is at his Job but he's a damn good mudder. What you said is utterly baseless.

Wouldn't that be the point of responding to an utterly baseless insult, noob?

[Arilin Nydelahar]

I feel like Teflor - a noob.

The noob is quite you all on your own. I already wrote an acceptable use policy. You as bad on the mud as you are on the job?

If you want I can e-mail you a copy. It might help.

I dunno how Brian is at his Job but he's a damn good mudder. What you said is utterly baseless.

Wouldn't that be the point of responding to an utterly baseless insult, noob?

How's it baseless? You are a noob though.

[teflor the ranger]

I feel like Teflor - a noob.

The noob is quite you all on your own. I already wrote an acceptable use policy. You as bad on the mud as you are on the job?

If you want I can e-mail you a copy. It might help.

I dunno how Brian is at his Job but he's a damn good mudder. What you said is utterly baseless.

Wouldn't that be the point of responding to an utterly baseless insult, noob?

How's it baseless? You are a noob though.

The noob appears to be you.

[Tanji Smanji]

I give this thread 2 stars out of 5.

[Corth]

Your being generous.

[amolol]

i agree with corth, 2 stars is to much.

[Ragorn]

This thread makes the Grammar Nazi shriek.

[Dalar]

Your being generous.

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