NSW Work Computer

[Ryani]

Hi,
I have a friend that has left her Facebook left logged in on her work laptop, the managers (not the boss’) laptop broke and she was on leave so she borrowed her computer. She has seen the Facebook logged in and started searching through messages and found some talking about staff etc and now they’re giving her the ultimatum of sacking or putting in her resignation. Is this allowed?

 

[Rod]

Maybe. Depends on what was written.

Also the employer needs to be careful as they may have committed a crime accessing an employee's private media account, even if access is through a work computer. A carefully worded email might be appropriate asking for details about who, when and how they came across the information, hinting that accessing such information is likely a criminal offence (cyber/computer crime), and suggesting both parties put this matter behind them.

Company policies may also come into play if the policies outline private use of a work computer.

Your friend needs legal advice if she values her job.