Emails and privacy

Amy K.

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Emails and privacy

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Abstract

The general notion among people is that email is a time of private communication. We have become so unaware of our surroundings that we think just because we are sitting in a room by ourselves, there is no one else there to see what we are doing. We seem to forget the fact that when we do enter chat rooms, and email domains, we are entering a whole new world known as "Cyberspace". We can connect to anyone, anywhere, in nearly real time whenever we need or want. The biggest blinders we put on are the ones that make us think that any one can connect to us, anywhere anytime, whenever they want. There is a big conspiracy of bugging and tapping going on in other rooms, where people just like us are sitting there by themselves. So the question is, when we are in a safe place such as a college campus computer lab, or in our offices at work, should be have the feeling that someone is watching our every move? Shouldn't we feel like our privacy is being respected by our coworkers and our bosses?

Introduction
Why it is illegal and wrong for firms to monitor their employees' emails
Being watched and babysat
The fear of being stalked and the fear of not being able to have the free speech to save oneself
The employers rights
1. The right to monitor use of electronic resources
2. Monitoring employees' use of company computers
3. Monitoring e mails sent by employees
4. Monitoring employees in the area of security and company secrets
5. Giving employees written internet policies
The ethical principle
The concern over trade secrets of the company
Conclusion
Works cited

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Extract

[...] The school had policies against breaking into other emails and computers, and the principal went directly against all standings and mentions of the regulation. This type of act is completely illegal and unethical in all aspects. The principal later gave his former coworker a public apology. However, sometimes apologies just aren't enough. There are many rules and laws (specific to each state) regarding stalking. The tightest and most descriptive state on stalking would be Michigan. Michigan is the only state that says stalking can be done through email. [...]

[...] They went on a date, and the woman was no longer interested. Archambeau not only made himself liable through the things he was typing, but he was also held accountable for all the emoticons he sent as well. He sent threatening messages such as, “This letter is the LEAST of the many things I could do to annoy which was preceded by the emoticon implying he was sticking his tongue out at her. The fear of being stalked is not near as the fear of not being able to have the free speech to save oneself if being staked. [...]

[...] The Houston Chronicle. June Library database; accessed 11-16-05. Forestier, Katharine. ESF clerk walks out in e-mail spy row; Kennedy School principal monitored messages without woman's permission”. South China Morning Post. September Library database; 11-16-05. Ho, David. “Bosses routinely monitor e-mail; More companies concerned about trade secrets”. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. June Library database; accessed 11-16-05. Holtz, Shel. “Employees Online”. Communication World. Feb/Mar 2001, Vol Issue p 17. Library database; accessed 11-16-05. Free Should Speech Be in Cyberspace”. Today's Science. February 1995. [...]

[...] It is there in black and white. There needs to be a list of and a list of okays.” All regulations should be stated in the handbook and there needs to be a waiver that is signed. It should be signed before the I-9s and W-4s are signed. On the very first day of work if not before, this policy needs to be clear as crystal, it should be kept on file, and a new one should be signed if at any time, there is any change or alteration in the wording of the ideals. [...]

[...] There is a lot of gray area between the employees' rights and the employers' rights. Kant's categorical imperative lays it out flat. There is a middle ground on which both parties can meet. A place where the employees will have their privacy and the employers will be able to insure a stable online environment for the entire company. There are just a few steps that need to be taken and a couple hand shakes that need to be given. On November J. Johnson wrote a letter asking some advice for her husband. [...]

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