Can I Be Sacked For Using The Internet At Work?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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First, all many employers nowadays have Internet policies that essentially

forbid employees from using work computers to surf the Internet

“for personal reasons.” So, if they can prove that the employee violated that rule, they can assert the employee engaged in “willful misconduct,” and is therefore disqualified from …

What of employers fire employees for misuse of the Internet?

CNBC article indicates that

28%

of employers fired employees because they use the Internet, during working time, for personal use, such as checking out social media, shopping online, answering private phone calls, etc. … Additional examples of getting fired because of the misbehaviors on social media.

Can employers monitor internet usage at work?


Employers may monitor Internet usage through Internet surveillance

. … As a result, a vast number of employers have turned to surveillance technology to monitor their employees’ Internet usage at work. Some programs enable employers to monitor and read employee emails.

What would be unacceptable use of internet while at work?

Unacceptable use of the internet by employees includes, but is not limited to: Sending or posting discriminatory, harassing, or threatening messages or images on the Internet or via <company’s>

email service

.

Using computers to perpetrate any form of fraud

, and/or software, film or music piracy.

Can your employer fire you for social media?

Since California is an at-will employment state — and California Labor Code 2922 states that at-will employees “may be terminated at the will of either party on notice to the other” —

employers can fire employees for anything

, including their social media posts.

Can I tell if my computer is being monitored?

If you have suspicions that your computer is being monitored you need to

check the start menu see which programs are running

. Simply go to ‘All Programs’ and look to see if something like the software mentioned above is installed. If so, then someone is connecting to your computer without you knowing about it.

Can my employer see what I do on my personal laptop?

Can my employer spy on my personal phone or laptop when connected to the company’s WIFI? A:

NO, your employer cannot spy on your personal phone

or laptop even when using the company’s WIFI. … Your employer can track what websites you are visiting via the company’s WIFI (the URLs), not the content or passwords.

What are the rules in using computer internet and email?

  • Surf smart. …
  • Choose email addresses and passwords that aren’t guessable. …
  • Use anti-virus software. …
  • Use malware-scanning software. …
  • Use a Software Firewall. …
  • Use website watchdog software. …
  • Only obtain software from reputable sites. …
  • Scan Internet files before opening.

What is internet use policy?

An internet usage policy

provides employees with rules and guidelines about the appropriate use of company equipment, network and Internet access

. … The Internet Usage Policy is an important document that must be signed by all employees upon starting work.

How do I limit an employee access to the internet?

  1. Create a written restricted Internet use policy for employees. …
  2. Refuse to enable Internet access for employees who do not require it. …
  3. Place passwords on computers that access the Internet. …
  4. Install a program that controls Internet usage.

Can I be fired for posting something on Facebook?

In general,

employers have the power to fire employees for any lawful reason

–including for what they post on social media.

Can you be fired for talking to the media?

Can you terminate employees who talk to the reporters? … The NLRB found this rule to be unlawful and explained: “

Employees have a statutory right to speak publically about their complaints or concerns with their terms and conditions of employment

, including to the press, without employer authorization.”

Can employees be disciplined for social media posts?


Employees can be subject to disciplinary action for posting content unfavorable to their employer

. … If an employee is engaging in concerted activity on social media, that activity falls under the protections of the NLRA.

Can my work see what I do on my computer?


Employers generally are allowed to monitor your activity on a workplace computer or

workstation. Since the employer owns the computer network and the terminals, he or she is free to use them to monitor employees. Technology exists for your employer to monitor almost any aspect of your computer or workstation use.

How can I check my computer for spyware?

The best way to check for spyware is by

scanning the computer with anti malware software

Ahmed Ali
Author
Ahmed Ali
Ahmed Ali is a financial analyst with over 15 years of experience in the finance industry. He has worked for major banks and investment firms, and has a wealth of knowledge on investing, real estate, and tax planning. Ahmed is also an advocate for financial literacy and education.