Email monitoring powers come into force

New regulations have come into force today covering the circumstances in
which an employer can record or monitor communications without the consent of
the employee or other party.

The Telecommunications (Lawful Business Practice Interception of
Communications) Regulations 2000 come into force under the Regulation of
Investigatory Powers Act.

The regulations allow employers to intercept communications without
permission from staff providing they have a good reason and staff know it is
likely to happen.

Employers can now monitor e-mails in order to: record evidence of business
transactions, ensure staff comply with company policies, pick up messages if
someone is off sick, prevent or detect crime, monitor standards and prevent
computer viruses.

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www.dti.gov.uk/cii/lbresponse

By Lisa Bratby