Dealing with inappropriate computer use

14 December 2004 - A new survey by PixAlert, a computer image detection company, in conjunction with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) indicates that more than 70% of UK businesses have had to discipline employees viewing pornographic images on company computers.

The study of HR and IT managers in over 200 medium-large companies also reveals that over a half of senior managers questioned did not know that they had personal legal and civil liability for illegal and inappropriate images in their workplaces. Moreover, two-thirds of surveyed businesses had not kept their 'Computer Acceptable Usage Policy ' up to date, making them vulnerable to potential criminal or civil claims.

Whereas a majority of surveyed businesses were using some technology to prevent illegal and inappropriate images getting on to the corporate network via the Internet or e-mail, most (nearly 70%) had not installed technology capable of identifying improper images, which can enter desktop or laptop computers by other means, such as memory sticks, CDs/DVDs and camera phones.

Key findings include:

• 71% of companies have had to deal with employees about inappropriate or illegal images in the workplace within the past 24 months
• 54% of managers were unaware of their personal legal liability for illegal and inappropriate images in the workplace
• 66% of companies had an out of date 'Computer Acceptable Usage Policy' for the management of inappropriate and illegal images
• 68% of companies had not deployed desktop technology to counteract increased threats from new technologies such as memory sticks, DVDs CDs, digital cameras and camera phones

"In a climate where the obligations for corporate governance are increasing, the survey highlights that a high number of companies and their directors are exposed to the risks and potential liabilities from illegal and inappropriate images in the workplace," said Dave McLoughlin, Director of PixAlert. "Companies need to tackle this sensitive issue with a combination of good policies and procedures and the deployment of suitable technology," added McLoughlin.

Imogen Haslam, CIPD Professional Adviser, said: "Many people may view some inappropriate computer images as a bit of harmless fun. But this is not just about sparing blushes. A culture where some dodgy pictures are tolerated can all too easily create the environment where far more offensive or even illegal images can find their way into an organisation - by accident or otherwise.

"Employers need to have clear, consistent policies that leave no room for doubt in the minds of employees. A little tolerance could cause a lot of trouble later. They also need to keep up to date with the rapidly advancing array of technology that can make it easy for unwanted images to slip into the workplace unnoticed. This should not be left to the IT department alone. It's not computers that bring inappropriate or illegal images to work, it is people.

"HR needs to work closely with IT to make sure that the systems are in place to monitor and enforce policies. But ultimately bosses who want to be sure they are protected from prosecution resulting from illegal images stored on their systems need to get the people management policies right."

Also on this subject:

• Monitoring internet use and emails
• E-mail and Internet misuse

• More Human Resource Articles