Employer Liability for Improper Computer and Internet Use by Employees - Thesis Example

Part II provides a background of the topic, which includes the influence of computer technology and the internet in the workplace and provides a context of internet defamation law. Part III of the paper covers the doctrine of respondeat superior and provides an understanding of the doctrine, the application of the doctrine to defamation as well as negligent retention of employees. Part IV covers employer liability for criminal acts of employees under the negligent hiring theory. This part of the paper discusses the concept of negligent hiring, substantiates employer immunity, and looks at cases involving liability for the internet, and the right to privacy. Part v of the paper provides suggestions on how to reduce employer liability and part VI is the conclusion. Computers and the internet have transformed corporate practices. Social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ allow organizations to communicate and lobby responses from the public quickly and affordably.

Organizations also use social media to engage employees and foster productivity. This use goes beyond new technological equipment and improved communications. The advantages of the use of technology in the workplace have also come with risks to businesses. The risks involved include the leakage of private company information by employees, the use of work facilities for personal undertakings, and the inappropriate use of computers and the internet by employees. This use has augmented the potential for unethical and illegal practices by employees.

Technology has also made it simple to engage in unethical activities such as the theft of private information about other individuals and downloading inappropriate content from the internet. These problems are far-reaching and businesses have developed ethics and training programs for their employees to assist in reducing the occurrence of unethical activities.1 The use of computers and the internet in the workplace exposes employers to liability for the actions of employees. The improper use of these facilities gives rise to actions in tort, which may hold the employer liable.