Special Reports

Employers Can Limit Online Activity After Hours

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Most of you probably know by now it's not a good idea to send private e-mails at work, or look at racy sites on the Internet.

But did you know your company can limit what you do online after hours?

Ellen Simonetti started a blog a couple of years ago as a way to find peace with personal issues.

"I had just lost my mother to cancer and that just hit me really hard and that was a way for me to express myself and express my feelings," Simonetti said.

She had no idea that blog would ultimately end the career she loved. She says the trouble started after she posted pictures of herself in her flight attendant uniform.

Nancy Flynn, founder of the E-Policy Institute, is not surprised. She advises companies about the Internet, and e-mail use.

"When employees are fired for blogging on their own personal accounts it typically is because the content in some way violates some company policy," Flynn said.

Something to keep in mind when you're using a computer at work: Expect to be monitored, even if you're using personal accounts.

Flynn said you should check company rules for computer usage.

Simonetti wishes she did. She says she still doesn't know why she was fired, or what rules she may have broken, but next time she'll ask.

"If you plan to start a blog, find out if your company has a blogging policy," Flynn advised.

She said more companies are taking a tough stand because if a company is sued, every bit of e-mail and Internet history can wind up in court.

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