ACS calls for email privacy legislation changes

Concerned that corporate policies regarding the monitoring of employee communications does not reflect the reality of modern communications, the Australian Computer Society has called on the Federal Government to consider adopting an auditing system for random employee email checks, as well as alert and logbook systems in its revision of the nation’s email privacy laws...

In light of the Government’s move to give employers the power to vet emails at work based on terrorism powers and concerns, ACS President Kumar Parakala says it’s timely to consider a more holistic review of laws addressing email access to reflect sophisticated new digital communication channels.

“The Federal Government’s decision to review Privacy Laws to protect national security raises the issue of professional conduct around new technologies and the absence of a robust system of checks and balances to ensure that privacy is protected,” he says. “Any changes to Government, telco or employer powers in this area should be supported by appropriate education, guidelines and protocols for industry and the community, as well as technological solutions, to help safeguard against invasion of privacy.”

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