The internet and e-mail have both become one of the most significant sources of information and means of communication. But employers need to be aware of the abuses by employees that can take place and the legal implications associated by using such facilities.
Cyber liability
In recent months, several employers have been advised in relation to employees’ use and abuse of computer facilities including issues such as the
drain on worker productivity, sexual harassment and employees downloading explicit pornography.
Unsupervised employee access to e-mail and the internet can lead to serious performance and disciplinary issues. As employers are liable for the unlawful actings of employees during the course of their employment in discrimination and defamation claims, they should take immediate steps to establish clear policies and guidelines in respect of proper employee use of these facilities.
From an employment law perspective, prevention is certainly better than cure. A defined policy on the acceptable use of e-mail and internet access will bolster prospects of defending the following claims.
