Things You'll Need:
- Computer with Internet access
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Step 1
Understand that in many states, employers are not required to inform their employees of computer monitoring and Internet surveillance while on the job. Ask your human-resources representative what your company's policy is toward Internet surveillance and computer monitoring so that you may more actively protect your privacy.
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Step 2
Have reasonable expectations of what may or may not be kept private in a workplace environment. Though you may feel you have a legal right to unmonitored use of the company-owned Internet service, most courts have found that there should be no reasonable expectation of privacy in regards to the use of company-owned technology or software, such as the Internet or email. Read the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, which states that any computer system provided by the employer is the property of the employer, and it is the employer's right to define your usage of it (see Resources below).
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Step 3
Work with your union or other employee representation to define and develop equitable and fair employee Internet privacy rules with your employer.
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Step 4
Understand that your employer has no legal right to monitor your Internet usage at home, unless you are utilizing company resources such as a telecommuting workstation.
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Step 5
Contact your state's department of labor if you feel that your company's Internet monitoring policies infringe upon your legal rights or are discriminatory.
