Such incidents spotlight the conflict between monitoring Internet usage and respecting workers' privacy. Many employers with policies ban transmission of trade secrets, sending inappropriate email and downloading pornography. But some say many policies are too broad, turning bosses into cyberspies. If someone is in their own office with the door closed and they have sexy pictures of their screen, that's not sexual harassment. But others say strict policies give employers ammunition if fired workers bring lawsuits.
Most employees view the Internet as an extension of the bulletin board.
Uncertainty over how to draft policies is one reason, many employees shy away. Many employees remain unaware technology isn't private. They may visit sexually explicit web sites and not realize their employer is watching for example. Many don't know messages can be retrieved months later. Policies vary, DuPont monitors the heaviest Internet users to ensure they're going to business-related sites.