Employer Liability For Improper Computer and Internet Use By Employees Thesis

Employer Liability For Improper Computer and Internet Use By Employees - Thesis Example Part IV covers employer liability for criminal acts of employees under the negligent hiring theory. This part of the paper discusses the concept of negligent hiring, substantiates employer immunity and looks at cases involving liability the internet and the right to privacy. Part v of the paper provides suggestions on how to reduce employer liability and part VI is the conclusion. Computers and the internet have transformed corporate practices. Social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter and Google+ allow organizations to communicate and lobby responses from the public in a quick and affordable manner. Organizations also use social media to engage employees and foster productivity. This use goes beyond new technological equipment and improved communications. The advantages of the use of technology in the workplace have also come with risks to businesses. The risks involved include the leakage of private company information by employees, the use of work facilities for personal undertakings and the inappropriate use of computer and internet by employees. This use has augmented the potential for unethical and illegal practices by employees. Technology has also made it simple to engage in unethical activities such as the theft of private information about other individuals and downloading inappropriate content from the internet. These problems are far reaching a nd businesses have developed ethics and training programs for its employees to assist in reducing the occurrence of unethical activities.1 The use of computers and the internet in the workplace exposes employers to liability for the actions of employees. The improper use of these facilities gives rise to actions in tort, which may hold the employer liable. Such instances involve holding employers liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior for the actions of its