Is it possible for a company to trace the internet sites you have visited in the last 6 months?

[Wee Kaz]

Ok, we all do it at work, surfing on the internet that is, but what do you do when you find out your company is trying to trace what sites you have visited within a certain period?

The questions I need answered is can they trace this information?

How far back can they trace ie months?

Can they see how long you have been on one specific site?

Needs you help please!! x

[Kerplunk]

The answer to all the questions is yes, depending on what software they use.

They can hold information for as long as they need to. (Depending upon server disk space).

If they are monitoring your internet or email usage then you should be made aware as part of your induction or at least via a company policy statement on the subject of IT usage.

[Wee Kaz]

Oh dear, anyone looking for a PA?? That's not good news for me or anyone else in my work place. We haven't been told recently that they are doing this, however our staff handbook states that the internet should not be used on a personal basis but EVERYONE uses it.

Can they single out an individual for overusage i.e. EVERY DAY? and fire them or would this be classed as unfair dismissal if it's known that all employees exploit it but some more than others?? I know you are more an internet buff than employement law but just thought I'd ask thanks in advance

[Ethel]

Information and a forum on the subject:

http://news.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/emergingtech/ 0,39020357,2073980,00.htm

[joey2006]

This would NOT be classed as unfair dismissal as you already know that you should not be surfing the Internet for personal Use, and especially not overusing it so... Just hope for the best :)

[Mrs_Pegasus]

To be honest, it was tried at a place I used to work at.

Its a tough one, they would have to be sure that no-one else could have physically had access to your computer at that time.

Also a good solicitor could ask for all the records of useage for the period they are trying to nab you about.

I would take it as a warning and stop surfing in company time.

Have to be honest, where I work now, I have a relaxed approach to my staff using the internet. Especially at lunch times or before/after work. We have some good filters on the network so i am happy they are not accessing something they shouldnt.

By making it so strict is not the best practice to be honest, its like making a personal phonecall, some people need to access the internet while at work, I would rather they did it and not took time off, if you see what I mean.

[Kerplunk]

Regarding the fact that someone else could have used the computer. It wil log the internet activity to the user that was logged onto the computer at the time. Obviouslu you could try the defence that you gave someone else your password to enable them to do some work for you. However this could leave the door open for them to discipline you for sharing passwords (Or not doing your own work ;-) ).

If you can prove that everyone is also doing it then the company would have to take the same action for each employee.

At our company we take the attitude that staff should be prevented from accessing certain websites not disciplined if they do.

Good luck,

Now leave the answerbank alone and get some work done. :-)

[Wee Kaz]

Thanks for your answers everyone. Guess I'll just need to wait and see. The thing is I know that nearly everyone accesses the net in here ever day so it's unfair to single one individual out. If they give one person a warning they'd need to give everyone a warning.

Cheers all x