Electronic Communications—The Problems
The rapid development of e-mail and access to the Internet has led to problems regarding the sourcing and use of inappropriate material in the workplace. E-mail allows the instant transmission of a message by a non-typist without the previous time gap for creation which allowed for second thoughts. This can lead to an 'over casual' approach to the generation and framing of such messages. To many users an e-mail message equates to casual conversation but it is written and permanent, unlike spoken words. The Problems 1. Sections 349 and 351 of the Companies Act 1985 require companies to state certain data (i.e. full name, registered country, number and office) on their notepaper etc. and failure to do so is punishable by fine. If a message is sent by e-mail it is considered to equate to a message sent on a letterhead (i.e. to be a business letter) and as such this required data must appear. Computer programs could be altered so that this standard information always appears. 2. Th...