Employers must consider many legal issues when running a business. One of these issues that has become increasingly important in the Internet Age is privacy. For instance, it has become more and more common to issue a privacy statement about policy on company websites.
If you are an employer with an online presence and employees who work on monitored computers, speak with a Georgia privacy policy lawyer. At Sparks Law, one of our experienced attorneys can help you develop a two-prong policy to safeguard visitors to your website and protect your employees’ rights.
At work, a privacy policy must balance what employees expect to be private and what the business has a right to monitor. Georgia state courts enforce the common law rules for privacy, which prohibit:
For example, if a business monitors employee emails and does not have a written privacy policy in place, the person monitoring emails could disclose another employee’s private information in a Twitter tweet. Under common law, this could lead to a breach of privacy lawsuit against the company.
Many employees may believe their work computers, files, telephone conversations, and emails are private, but this is not always the case. Employers may have the right to monitor activity to ensure employees are doing their jobs. If the business is engaged in sensitive or competitive activity, such as a race to develop a Covid19 vaccine, monitoring employees at work and even after hours may be lawful. However, it is always recommended that you ensure the legality of your company’s monitoring practices by working with a lawyer well-versed in Georgia privacy policy laws.
Today, it is more important than ever for companies to assure those visiting their websites that their personal information is safe. A company’s online privacy policy explains how information is collected and lets users know what is being shared with third parties. Personal information is any information that can help identify a person, such as:
Allowing a website user to opt out could comfort people who may not want all their information shared. An experienced lawyer at one of our Georgia offices can help you determine what online privacy provisions are important for your business.
There are several types of businesses that may need to adhere to federal laws regarding online privacy. A knowledgeable attorney at Sparks Law can further explain these privacy policy laws and determine which ones apply for your company.
Businesses that gather online information about children under 13 or that target children as website visitors are governed by the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). These sites are restricted from sharing certain information with third parties and are required to display their privacy policy on the website.
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act applies to websites hosted by financial institutions. These sites must clearly state how they share information with third parties. These businesses are also scrutinized and restricted in sharing users’ financial information.
Health care providers, including those that utilize a website for patients to retrieve medical information, are governed by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Privacy policies must be in writing at the physical office and online.
Even if a business is not governed by federal law, it is wise to implement a privacy policy with help from a Georgia lawyer to ensure that website visitors know how their information is gathered and shared.
As businesses continue to use the internet for sales and marketing, and as more and more employees work on computers, privacy becomes increasingly important. If you are a business owner with an online presence or have employees that use computers, speak to a Georgia privacy policy lawyer. At Sparks Law, our legal team can help you draft multiple statements that outline transparent policies for your employees and website users. Contact us today to learn more.
