The new regulations may still, however, face a legal challenge on these grounds. Legal experts believe that the regulations may contravene an individual's right to privacy as outlined by the Human Rights Act and could face a challenge in court. The government's own Data Protection office has also expressed concerns about RIP, claiming that it may undermine employees right to privacy. The government says that new regulations just allow businesses to work around controls over the interception of digital communications introduced by the RIP Act. It also says that the new regulations establish a framework under which businesses can protect themselves and their employees from potentially damaging or illegal content such as computer viruses or pornography.
Most businesses have an automatic system to detect viruses and illegal content.
Privacy experts argue that the government has caved in to pressure from big business over the issue and failed to protect the rights of employees. But the government has a narrow interpretation and employees have very limited rights. It's all in favour of big business. Some who represent the interests of employers are, however, concerned the new regulations may result in unnecessary friction. The Institute of Directors believes that employers should have the power to monitor emails, but says that in practice they may create a hostile working environment.