Can an employer install a webcam to spy on an employee?

Question

A friend of mine was told that a week ago, their boss put in a webcam so he could check from home if they were using their cellphone at work. My friend feels a bit violated by this. Is it legal?

Answer 1

I believe that an employer can do things such a install cam's monitor email and internet activity as well as telephone activity (not listen (i don't think))

Answer 2

Technically a company can do anything to keep tabs on their employees as long as it doesn't violate their personal space, which would pretty much be in the bathroom, changing room or showers. But they can monitor the premises, your computer, your online activity, anything that comes into or out of your computer, and your phones (other than personal cell phone). You are the employee, you were hired to do a job and a company has the right to make sure you are doing it as well as protect their assets and property... So get to work and quit screwing off.... or do something else that you like....

Answer 3

If he owns the company I would think he could do what ever he wants as long as it is with in the privacy act laws. Alot of companies install some type of spy-wear to watch their employees to make sure their working while on the clock after all it is their time and their paying for it.

Answer 4

it may't be coming up an fantastically good artwork atmostphere. however, what you're talking about is roofed less than what the regulation calls "a life like expectation of privateness." once you're at artwork, being paid to be there, utilising a artwork pc, and artwork e mail, you do not have a "life like expectation of privateness." regrettably the courts often discover in that challenge that the worker does no longer have a "life like expectation of privateness." often, no matter when you're transforming into access to the internet or an information superhighway-depending e mail from a artwork pc, the corporate might want to (no longer confident in this one) have get entry to to that information superhighway depending e mail message besides. At artwork, the purely position you fairly have a life like expectation of privateness is interior the lavatory (heavily). Your perfect wager is to no longer habit own employer utilising employer property or on employer time. maximum employers do not go overboard with this for concern of ruining worker morale. however...there is continually one company or worker who ruins it for each person. sturdy success.

Answer 5

actually no, they cant, its considered an invasion of privacy, if there is reason 2 doubt an employee in the first place then they should not have been hired so its the employer's problem 4 hiring someone they cant trust.

Answer 6

As long as the camera is not hidden, I don't see a problem with it. We have cameras at work, so they can monitor things ( mostly theft). As long as you aren't doing anything wrong, why would anyone have a problem with it? But just contact the ACLU and I'm sure they will be ready to do battle for you ( btw I don't like the ACLU)

Answer 7

It's probably legal as long as the employee knows about it. It's not spying, it's surveillance.

Answer 8

They can. The computer is their property. They're allowed to have security cameras, a webcam is just one way to provide security.

Answer 9

it depends on where his camera/s are installed .here in oz it is ok to have cameras installed near a cash register but no where near or ina toilet .contact your union boss if you have one or the employment agencies where you live ok .i don't think he can stop you from using your own phone

Answer 10

Cameras to spy on workforces are illegal, if they are par of a security system then this is allowed