Computer Surveillance – What Does it Offer?

Investigation News - Computer Surveillance – What Does it Offer? - PInow.com Investigator Directory: "Computer monitoring software can uncover exactly what computer users are doing online. Anyone interested in installing this type of software, though, needs to select the program carefully.

According to a 2001 American Management Association survey, 77.7% of major U.S. companies used computer surveillance to check employee e-mail, Internet use, phone calls, computer use, and files. Some companies even used computer surveillance to videotape workers. The reason is not hard to see: According to IDC Research, 30 to 40% of Internet use during work hours is for personal use. Employers are concerned that they are losing worker productivity, thanks to employees who use work hours to surf the Internet and to send personal email. Employers are also concerned that workers who use company computers to commit fraud crimes, or use the system to send sexually explicit materials may embroil the company in a lawsuit.

It’s not just employers who are concerned, either. Parents and spouses are worried as well. According to a US Congressional Study submitted on June 8, 2000, more than 20% of children have been solicited for sex online. According to the 1999 Greenfield and Rivet Internet Use and Abuse Survey 1999, 57% of Internet users use their Internet to flirt."