Whitepaper: Online social networking: The employers’ dilemma

The majority of employers permit employees to have reasonable personal use of the Internet during working hours. Employers have sought to minimise the risks that this personal use might present by introducing Acceptable Use Policies and monitoring employee use.

This bargain between employers and employees is now being tested by the phenomenon of online social networking, in which the popularity of sites such as Facebook, Bebo and MySpace poses a new question for employers; do we trust our employees and allow unrestricted access to such sites, or do we perceive the danger as too great and ban the sites?

This paper considers how UK legislation and employers’ policies impact on the use of social networking sites. It highlights some of the problem areas that cause employers most concern and provides guidance on how employers can take practical steps to avert the dangers involved.