Working Well in Networks 

Dutch Data Protection Authority argues in favour of a balanced and common sense approach to e-mail and Internet checks at the workplace

The use of e-mail and Internet has reached amazing levels within organisations. But in parallel with the evident advantages to both employer and employee in areas such as productivity, accessibility and speed, certain negative aspects of these media have manifested themselves. Employers are therefore perceiving a need to channel what used to be unfettered use of e-mail and Internet in the right directions. In order to do this, codes of behaviour and rules of use are being drawn up, which will be upheld by means of check processes.

pdf documentread the summary of this background study (12 KB)

Electronic control of computer use raises questions concerning the protection of employees' privacy. Last year, large numbers of employers, works councils and individuals submitted questions on the subject to the Dutch Data Protection Authority. This was the reason behind the Authority undertaking a study on check processes in the use of e-mail and Internet. It resulted in the report Working Well in Networks (Goed werken in netwerken).

Citation
Terstegge, mr. drs. J.H.J. Goed werken in netwerken. Regels voor controle op e-mail en internetgebruik van werknemers [Working Well in Networks]
Tweede druk, herzien door drs. S. Lieon, Goed werken in netwerken. Regels voor controle op e-mail en internetgebruik van werknemers [Working Well in Networks] Dutch DPA, April 2002. Background studies and Investigations 21