The concept of proportionality provides a balance between this right, and the necessity for firms to monitor email,' he said. Fell added that case law may be the only way to determine the appropriate level of monitoring. If the DPC's draft regulations are introduced as they stand, the definition of 'reasonable' could only be resolved through the courts, he said. In the meantime, Fell said firms should introduce policies governing email use, and inform staff. The government is attempting to provide a balance between a firm's need to monitor emails and the right of individuals to privacy Draft proposals from the Data Protection Commissioner have raised doubts over the level and type of monitoring that may be acceptable.
Clarification is likely to be achieved only via the courts.
Until then, firms are advised to implement policies on email use and inform staff. 2001 ZD Inc. All rights reserved. ZDNet and the ZDNet logo are service marks of ZD Inc.