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Employers installing keyloggers on work PC [closed]
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I am in Canada. Is it legal for your employer to install a keylogger or other monitoring software on your workplace PC without informing you of this fact? Do I have any right regarding this?
work-environment security
edited Oct 10 '12 at 14:15
Rarity
4,37643457
asked Jul 6 '12 at 14:07
chlong
15112
closed as off topic by IDrinkandIKnowThings, FrustratedWithFormsDesigner, John N, Rarity Jul 6 '12 at 18:05
Questions on The Workplace Stack Exchange are expected to relate to the workplace within the scope defined by the community. Consider editing the question or leaving comments for improvement if you believe the question can be reworded to fit within the scope. Read more about reopening questions here. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
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show 3 more comments
up vote
7
down vote
favorite
I am in Canada. Is it legal for your employer to install a keylogger or other monitoring software on your workplace PC without informing you of this fact? Do I have any right regarding this?
work-environment security
edited Oct 10 '12 at 14:15
Rarity
4,37643457
asked Jul 6 '12 at 14:07
chlong
15112
closed as off topic by IDrinkandIKnowThings, FrustratedWithFormsDesigner, John N, Rarity Jul 6 '12 at 18:05
Questions on The Workplace Stack Exchange are expected to relate to the workplace within the scope defined by the community. Consider editing the question or leaving comments for improvement if you believe the question can be reworded to fit within the scope. Read more about reopening questions here. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
1
Who owns the PC? Are you forbidden from performing personal business on your work PC? Have you been advised that your computer may be monitored?
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 6 '12 at 14:13
So why is this question down-voted? The moderator could, at the very least, give a reason.
– chlong
Jul 6 '12 at 15:21
@Chad, The employer owns the PC and I am not forbidden to perform personal business. I have not been advised that the PC may be monitored. Tbh, this is just a general question that piqued my interest and would like some clarification.
– chlong
Jul 6 '12 at 15:25
1
@chlong: A moderator can only give a reason for their own downvote. For anyone else's downvote, it's pure speculation. My guess is that someone might have downvoted because the question does not contain enough detail about the situation, and maybe because it is also quite localized (to Canada).
– FrustratedWithFormsDesigner
Jul 6 '12 at 15:36
4
Conflicting close reasons; I went with Off Topic because, unfortunately, legal stuff is pretty much always not possible to parse without a lawyer versed in the specific laws of the area.
– Rarity
Jul 6 '12 at 18:06
 |Â
show 3 more comments
up vote
7
down vote
favorite
up vote
7
down vote
favorite
I am in Canada. Is it legal for your employer to install a keylogger or other monitoring software on your workplace PC without informing you of this fact? Do I have any right regarding this?
work-environment security
edited Oct 10 '12 at 14:15
Rarity
4,37643457
asked Jul 6 '12 at 14:07
chlong
15112
I am in Canada. Is it legal for your employer to install a keylogger or other monitoring software on your workplace PC without informing you of this fact? Do I have any right regarding this?
work-environment security
edited Oct 10 '12 at 14:15
Rarity
4,37643457
asked Jul 6 '12 at 14:07
chlong
15112
edited Oct 10 '12 at 14:15
Rarity
4,37643457
edited Oct 10 '12 at 14:15
Rarity
4,37643457
edited Oct 10 '12 at 14:15
Rarity
4,37643457
4,37643457
asked Jul 6 '12 at 14:07
chlong
15112
asked Jul 6 '12 at 14:07
chlong
15112
asked Jul 6 '12 at 14:07
chlong
15112
15112
closed as off topic by IDrinkandIKnowThings, FrustratedWithFormsDesigner, John N, Rarity Jul 6 '12 at 18:05
Questions on The Workplace Stack Exchange are expected to relate to the workplace within the scope defined by the community. Consider editing the question or leaving comments for improvement if you believe the question can be reworded to fit within the scope. Read more about reopening questions here. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
closed as off topic by IDrinkandIKnowThings, FrustratedWithFormsDesigner, John N, Rarity Jul 6 '12 at 18:05
Questions on The Workplace Stack Exchange are expected to relate to the workplace within the scope defined by the community. Consider editing the question or leaving comments for improvement if you believe the question can be reworded to fit within the scope. Read more about reopening questions here. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
1
Who owns the PC? Are you forbidden from performing personal business on your work PC? Have you been advised that your computer may be monitored?
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 6 '12 at 14:13
So why is this question down-voted? The moderator could, at the very least, give a reason.
– chlong
Jul 6 '12 at 15:21
@Chad, The employer owns the PC and I am not forbidden to perform personal business. I have not been advised that the PC may be monitored. Tbh, this is just a general question that piqued my interest and would like some clarification.
– chlong
Jul 6 '12 at 15:25
1
@chlong: A moderator can only give a reason for their own downvote. For anyone else's downvote, it's pure speculation. My guess is that someone might have downvoted because the question does not contain enough detail about the situation, and maybe because it is also quite localized (to Canada).
– FrustratedWithFormsDesigner
Jul 6 '12 at 15:36
4
Conflicting close reasons; I went with Off Topic because, unfortunately, legal stuff is pretty much always not possible to parse without a lawyer versed in the specific laws of the area.
– Rarity
Jul 6 '12 at 18:06
 |Â
show 3 more comments
1
Who owns the PC? Are you forbidden from performing personal business on your work PC? Have you been advised that your computer may be monitored?
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 6 '12 at 14:13
So why is this question down-voted? The moderator could, at the very least, give a reason.
– chlong
Jul 6 '12 at 15:21
@Chad, The employer owns the PC and I am not forbidden to perform personal business. I have not been advised that the PC may be monitored. Tbh, this is just a general question that piqued my interest and would like some clarification.
– chlong
Jul 6 '12 at 15:25
1
@chlong: A moderator can only give a reason for their own downvote. For anyone else's downvote, it's pure speculation. My guess is that someone might have downvoted because the question does not contain enough detail about the situation, and maybe because it is also quite localized (to Canada).
– FrustratedWithFormsDesigner
Jul 6 '12 at 15:36
4
Conflicting close reasons; I went with Off Topic because, unfortunately, legal stuff is pretty much always not possible to parse without a lawyer versed in the specific laws of the area.
– Rarity
Jul 6 '12 at 18:06
1
1
Who owns the PC? Are you forbidden from performing personal business on your work PC? Have you been advised that your computer may be monitored?
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 6 '12 at 14:13
Who owns the PC? Are you forbidden from performing personal business on your work PC? Have you been advised that your computer may be monitored?
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 6 '12 at 14:13
So why is this question down-voted? The moderator could, at the very least, give a reason.
– chlong
Jul 6 '12 at 15:21
So why is this question down-voted? The moderator could, at the very least, give a reason.
– chlong
Jul 6 '12 at 15:21
@Chad, The employer owns the PC and I am not forbidden to perform personal business. I have not been advised that the PC may be monitored. Tbh, this is just a general question that piqued my interest and would like some clarification.
– chlong
Jul 6 '12 at 15:25
@Chad, The employer owns the PC and I am not forbidden to perform personal business. I have not been advised that the PC may be monitored. Tbh, this is just a general question that piqued my interest and would like some clarification.
– chlong
Jul 6 '12 at 15:25
1
1
@chlong: A moderator can only give a reason for their own downvote. For anyone else's downvote, it's pure speculation. My guess is that someone might have downvoted because the question does not contain enough detail about the situation, and maybe because it is also quite localized (to Canada).
– FrustratedWithFormsDesigner
Jul 6 '12 at 15:36
@chlong: A moderator can only give a reason for their own downvote. For anyone else's downvote, it's pure speculation. My guess is that someone might have downvoted because the question does not contain enough detail about the situation, and maybe because it is also quite localized (to Canada).
– FrustratedWithFormsDesigner
Jul 6 '12 at 15:36
4
4
Conflicting close reasons; I went with Off Topic because, unfortunately, legal stuff is pretty much always not possible to parse without a lawyer versed in the specific laws of the area.
– Rarity
Jul 6 '12 at 18:06
Conflicting close reasons; I went with Off Topic because, unfortunately, legal stuff is pretty much always not possible to parse without a lawyer versed in the specific laws of the area.
– Rarity
Jul 6 '12 at 18:06
 |Â
show 3 more comments
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
6
down vote
At least according to this:
http://blogs.hrhero.com/northernexposure/2008/07/01/employee-privacy-rights-and-computer-data-in-canada/
It's unclear. Being a US security nerd, I'm not going to try to interpret Canadian law, but I'll say that in almost any company, a read of the computer use policies is a good idea... since those are checked by lawyers and get revamped as laws change (at least in cautious companies), they probably reflect the law better than anything but talking to a lawyer. And they give the practical answer on how does your specific company see it.
At least in the US, there's been a trend towards less privacy, more monitoring for security protection on employer owned computers and equipment. And a trend towards keeping employee owned equipment off the corporate network. Which isn't much of a burden considering what you can do with a personally owned SmartPhone these days.
answered Jul 6 '12 at 15:38
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
I Am Not A Lawyer, however installing key loggers on business computers or reading and modifying employees emails business accounts is usually a legal grey zone. Unfortunately it is common practice in larger organizations the rationale is security issues with employees. When it is difficult to get an overview of what everyone does then the risk is significantly higher for security breaches.
If it was done without any agreement then it is very inappropriate, it is in fact a breach in trust between your company and you. Some countries allow this and some strictly forbid this. I'd advice you take this up for discussion with the management to avoid any legal battles.
If you deem that your employer has done something very wrong then do consult a lawyer, in your case a canadian one.
answered Jul 6 '12 at 15:39
Spoike
1,9411520
-1 This is really a comment not an answer. While consulting a lawyer is always good advice on legal questions it does not address the question.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 6 '12 at 15:53
@Chad: I address the question with the second paragraph where I state that you should bring it up with management. It is an issue that should be up for discussion, in order to avoid legal battles.
– Spoike
Jul 6 '12 at 16:02
1
@Chad: It is true that I'm not directly answering the question, but the question is at the same time broad and localized (to Canada). I'm reading it as the OP (and most likely anyone who comes in here from a search site) is assuming ill intent with his superiors (for which can be deemed as a clerical error instead) and I'm addressing that the OP really should talk to them before pursuing legal actions and that is my answer.
– Spoike
Jul 6 '12 at 16:58
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
6
down vote
At least according to this:
http://blogs.hrhero.com/northernexposure/2008/07/01/employee-privacy-rights-and-computer-data-in-canada/
It's unclear. Being a US security nerd, I'm not going to try to interpret Canadian law, but I'll say that in almost any company, a read of the computer use policies is a good idea... since those are checked by lawyers and get revamped as laws change (at least in cautious companies), they probably reflect the law better than anything but talking to a lawyer. And they give the practical answer on how does your specific company see it.
At least in the US, there's been a trend towards less privacy, more monitoring for security protection on employer owned computers and equipment. And a trend towards keeping employee owned equipment off the corporate network. Which isn't much of a burden considering what you can do with a personally owned SmartPhone these days.
answered Jul 6 '12 at 15:38
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
At least according to this:
http://blogs.hrhero.com/northernexposure/2008/07/01/employee-privacy-rights-and-computer-data-in-canada/
It's unclear. Being a US security nerd, I'm not going to try to interpret Canadian law, but I'll say that in almost any company, a read of the computer use policies is a good idea... since those are checked by lawyers and get revamped as laws change (at least in cautious companies), they probably reflect the law better than anything but talking to a lawyer. And they give the practical answer on how does your specific company see it.
At least in the US, there's been a trend towards less privacy, more monitoring for security protection on employer owned computers and equipment. And a trend towards keeping employee owned equipment off the corporate network. Which isn't much of a burden considering what you can do with a personally owned SmartPhone these days.
answered Jul 6 '12 at 15:38
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
up vote
6
down vote
At least according to this:
http://blogs.hrhero.com/northernexposure/2008/07/01/employee-privacy-rights-and-computer-data-in-canada/
It's unclear. Being a US security nerd, I'm not going to try to interpret Canadian law, but I'll say that in almost any company, a read of the computer use policies is a good idea... since those are checked by lawyers and get revamped as laws change (at least in cautious companies), they probably reflect the law better than anything but talking to a lawyer. And they give the practical answer on how does your specific company see it.
At least in the US, there's been a trend towards less privacy, more monitoring for security protection on employer owned computers and equipment. And a trend towards keeping employee owned equipment off the corporate network. Which isn't much of a burden considering what you can do with a personally owned SmartPhone these days.
answered Jul 6 '12 at 15:38
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
At least according to this:
http://blogs.hrhero.com/northernexposure/2008/07/01/employee-privacy-rights-and-computer-data-in-canada/
It's unclear. Being a US security nerd, I'm not going to try to interpret Canadian law, but I'll say that in almost any company, a read of the computer use policies is a good idea... since those are checked by lawyers and get revamped as laws change (at least in cautious companies), they probably reflect the law better than anything but talking to a lawyer. And they give the practical answer on how does your specific company see it.
At least in the US, there's been a trend towards less privacy, more monitoring for security protection on employer owned computers and equipment. And a trend towards keeping employee owned equipment off the corporate network. Which isn't much of a burden considering what you can do with a personally owned SmartPhone these days.
answered Jul 6 '12 at 15:38
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
answered Jul 6 '12 at 15:38
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
answered Jul 6 '12 at 15:38
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
answered Jul 6 '12 at 15:38
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
70.4k4136277
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
I Am Not A Lawyer, however installing key loggers on business computers or reading and modifying employees emails business accounts is usually a legal grey zone. Unfortunately it is common practice in larger organizations the rationale is security issues with employees. When it is difficult to get an overview of what everyone does then the risk is significantly higher for security breaches.
If it was done without any agreement then it is very inappropriate, it is in fact a breach in trust between your company and you. Some countries allow this and some strictly forbid this. I'd advice you take this up for discussion with the management to avoid any legal battles.
If you deem that your employer has done something very wrong then do consult a lawyer, in your case a canadian one.
answered Jul 6 '12 at 15:39
Spoike
1,9411520
-1 This is really a comment not an answer. While consulting a lawyer is always good advice on legal questions it does not address the question.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 6 '12 at 15:53
@Chad: I address the question with the second paragraph where I state that you should bring it up with management. It is an issue that should be up for discussion, in order to avoid legal battles.
– Spoike
Jul 6 '12 at 16:02
1
@Chad: It is true that I'm not directly answering the question, but the question is at the same time broad and localized (to Canada). I'm reading it as the OP (and most likely anyone who comes in here from a search site) is assuming ill intent with his superiors (for which can be deemed as a clerical error instead) and I'm addressing that the OP really should talk to them before pursuing legal actions and that is my answer.
– Spoike
Jul 6 '12 at 16:58
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
I Am Not A Lawyer, however installing key loggers on business computers or reading and modifying employees emails business accounts is usually a legal grey zone. Unfortunately it is common practice in larger organizations the rationale is security issues with employees. When it is difficult to get an overview of what everyone does then the risk is significantly higher for security breaches.
If it was done without any agreement then it is very inappropriate, it is in fact a breach in trust between your company and you. Some countries allow this and some strictly forbid this. I'd advice you take this up for discussion with the management to avoid any legal battles.
If you deem that your employer has done something very wrong then do consult a lawyer, in your case a canadian one.
answered Jul 6 '12 at 15:39
Spoike
1,9411520
-1 This is really a comment not an answer. While consulting a lawyer is always good advice on legal questions it does not address the question.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 6 '12 at 15:53
@Chad: I address the question with the second paragraph where I state that you should bring it up with management. It is an issue that should be up for discussion, in order to avoid legal battles.
– Spoike
Jul 6 '12 at 16:02
1
@Chad: It is true that I'm not directly answering the question, but the question is at the same time broad and localized (to Canada). I'm reading it as the OP (and most likely anyone who comes in here from a search site) is assuming ill intent with his superiors (for which can be deemed as a clerical error instead) and I'm addressing that the OP really should talk to them before pursuing legal actions and that is my answer.
– Spoike
Jul 6 '12 at 16:58
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
I Am Not A Lawyer, however installing key loggers on business computers or reading and modifying employees emails business accounts is usually a legal grey zone. Unfortunately it is common practice in larger organizations the rationale is security issues with employees. When it is difficult to get an overview of what everyone does then the risk is significantly higher for security breaches.
If it was done without any agreement then it is very inappropriate, it is in fact a breach in trust between your company and you. Some countries allow this and some strictly forbid this. I'd advice you take this up for discussion with the management to avoid any legal battles.
If you deem that your employer has done something very wrong then do consult a lawyer, in your case a canadian one.
answered Jul 6 '12 at 15:39
Spoike
1,9411520
I Am Not A Lawyer, however installing key loggers on business computers or reading and modifying employees emails business accounts is usually a legal grey zone. Unfortunately it is common practice in larger organizations the rationale is security issues with employees. When it is difficult to get an overview of what everyone does then the risk is significantly higher for security breaches.
If it was done without any agreement then it is very inappropriate, it is in fact a breach in trust between your company and you. Some countries allow this and some strictly forbid this. I'd advice you take this up for discussion with the management to avoid any legal battles.
If you deem that your employer has done something very wrong then do consult a lawyer, in your case a canadian one.
answered Jul 6 '12 at 15:39
Spoike
1,9411520
answered Jul 6 '12 at 15:39
Spoike
1,9411520
answered Jul 6 '12 at 15:39
Spoike
1,9411520
answered Jul 6 '12 at 15:39
Spoike
1,9411520
1,9411520
-1 This is really a comment not an answer. While consulting a lawyer is always good advice on legal questions it does not address the question.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 6 '12 at 15:53
@Chad: I address the question with the second paragraph where I state that you should bring it up with management. It is an issue that should be up for discussion, in order to avoid legal battles.
– Spoike
Jul 6 '12 at 16:02
1
@Chad: It is true that I'm not directly answering the question, but the question is at the same time broad and localized (to Canada). I'm reading it as the OP (and most likely anyone who comes in here from a search site) is assuming ill intent with his superiors (for which can be deemed as a clerical error instead) and I'm addressing that the OP really should talk to them before pursuing legal actions and that is my answer.
– Spoike
Jul 6 '12 at 16:58
add a comment |Â
-1 This is really a comment not an answer. While consulting a lawyer is always good advice on legal questions it does not address the question.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 6 '12 at 15:53
@Chad: I address the question with the second paragraph where I state that you should bring it up with management. It is an issue that should be up for discussion, in order to avoid legal battles.
– Spoike
Jul 6 '12 at 16:02
1
@Chad: It is true that I'm not directly answering the question, but the question is at the same time broad and localized (to Canada). I'm reading it as the OP (and most likely anyone who comes in here from a search site) is assuming ill intent with his superiors (for which can be deemed as a clerical error instead) and I'm addressing that the OP really should talk to them before pursuing legal actions and that is my answer.
– Spoike
Jul 6 '12 at 16:58
-1 This is really a comment not an answer. While consulting a lawyer is always good advice on legal questions it does not address the question.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 6 '12 at 15:53
-1 This is really a comment not an answer. While consulting a lawyer is always good advice on legal questions it does not address the question.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 6 '12 at 15:53
@Chad: I address the question with the second paragraph where I state that you should bring it up with management. It is an issue that should be up for discussion, in order to avoid legal battles.
– Spoike
Jul 6 '12 at 16:02
@Chad: I address the question with the second paragraph where I state that you should bring it up with management. It is an issue that should be up for discussion, in order to avoid legal battles.
– Spoike
Jul 6 '12 at 16:02
1
1
@Chad: It is true that I'm not directly answering the question, but the question is at the same time broad and localized (to Canada). I'm reading it as the OP (and most likely anyone who comes in here from a search site) is assuming ill intent with his superiors (for which can be deemed as a clerical error instead) and I'm addressing that the OP really should talk to them before pursuing legal actions and that is my answer.
– Spoike
Jul 6 '12 at 16:58
@Chad: It is true that I'm not directly answering the question, but the question is at the same time broad and localized (to Canada). I'm reading it as the OP (and most likely anyone who comes in here from a search site) is assuming ill intent with his superiors (for which can be deemed as a clerical error instead) and I'm addressing that the OP really should talk to them before pursuing legal actions and that is my answer.
– Spoike
Jul 6 '12 at 16:58
add a comment |Â
1
Who owns the PC? Are you forbidden from performing personal business on your work PC? Have you been advised that your computer may be monitored?
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Jul 6 '12 at 14:13
So why is this question down-voted? The moderator could, at the very least, give a reason.
– chlong
Jul 6 '12 at 15:21
@Chad, The employer owns the PC and I am not forbidden to perform personal business. I have not been advised that the PC may be monitored. Tbh, this is just a general question that piqued my interest and would like some clarification.
– chlong
Jul 6 '12 at 15:25
1
@chlong: A moderator can only give a reason for their own downvote. For anyone else's downvote, it's pure speculation. My guess is that someone might have downvoted because the question does not contain enough detail about the situation, and maybe because it is also quite localized (to Canada).
– FrustratedWithFormsDesigner
Jul 6 '12 at 15:36
4
Conflicting close reasons; I went with Off Topic because, unfortunately, legal stuff is pretty much always not possible to parse without a lawyer versed in the specific laws of the area.
– Rarity
Jul 6 '12 at 18:06