Chris Bryden & Michael Salter examine the attempts to control the use of social media in the workplace
In these days of e-commerce, e-mail and instant messaging, there can hardly be a business or employer that does not have some connection to the internet. While many such employers—and it is hoped all—have policies regulating the use of e-mail and the internet for their employees, the growth of usage of social media has seemingly slipped under many such employers’ radar.
The rapid and continued expansion of social media is well known and the rate of this expansion is startling. It is no surprise therefore that the law, practice and guidance applicable is lagging somewhat behind this phenomenon. However, the situation may be changing. For the last several months, a Parliamentary Group Inquiry has been hearing evidence to consider whether the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 (PHA 1997) is properly suited to providing protection to people from, among other things, cyber-harassment and cyber-stalking. Consideration is also being given to whether there is, in fact, a difference between the two concepts. The
