Why it is not okay to wiretapping, but it okay for boss or big brother to watch over you?

Question

Okay, I heard that if you secretly recorded conversation with you boss, it is called wire tapping and it is illegal... is it true?

However, why it is okay, that your boss spys on your or watch over your activities!???

Answer 1

Secretly recorded conversations are inadmissable as evidence, whether it is you recording a discussion with your boss or your boss recording a discussion with you. The exception is in certain jobs, usually ones requiring heavy telephone usage, where companies announce in advance that "calls may be monitored".

It is also legal to videotape activities in public places (like a lobby) as long as a sign is posted that the area is under video surveillance. It is NOT ok to video in areas where employees have a "reasonable expectation" of privacy - like a bathroom or changing area.

Finally, it is usually admissible for an employer to read any e-mail that is created on company time and computers. Company e-mail is legally the same as using company letterhead - so if employees are sending porn, or writing discriminatory/harassing e-mails, the company can be liable for those activities. That's why it's ok for them to check.

Anyway, if you're doing what you should be at work , it shouldn't be a problem if your employer checks on you once in a while - right?

Answer 2

Your boss is allowed to watch what you do while on the job because YOU ARE ON THE JOB. while he is paying you and you are using his equipment, you have no reasonable expectation of privacy. Without a reasonable expectation of privacy, you have no legal right to protest to a conversation being recorded. This is why the police must get a court order showing just cause before they can tap your home phones. In your own home, you do have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Answer 3

Wiretapping is infringing on personal rights and privacy. Your boss checking in on you and watching over your shoulder is a completely different issue. It's one thing if the boss is following you around outside of the job, but at work, you're on their territory. It's their right, and job, to check in on you.