Employer Surveillance: What Your Boss Can and Cannot Monitor
From email monitoring to GPS tracking, learn the boundaries of employer surveillance.
The Legal Framework
The Electronic Communications Privacy Act allows employer monitoring under "business purpose" and "consent" exceptions. Federal privacy protections for employees are limited but there are still boundaries.
What Employers Can Monitor
Email on company systems, internet usage on company networks, company-owned devices, phone calls on company lines, workplace video cameras (not private areas), GPS on company vehicles, and badge access.
Where Surveillance Crosses the Line
Targeting protected activity, surveilling private areas, discriminatory monitoring, violating reasonable privacy expectations, monitoring personal devices or accounts, and disproportionate or retaliatory surveillance.
Protecting Your Privacy
Assume company equipment is monitored. Use personal devices for personal communications. Review monitoring policies. Use personal phone or email for legal matters.
Think You Have a Case?
This article is for informational purposes. For advice specific to your situation, speak with an experienced employment attorney at no cost.
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