Legal Question in Employment Law in California
Wiretapping but not recording only hearing
I have found a speaker phone in the company which is able to wiretap any phone in the company. But, surprisingly through this phone one can hear anywhere the telephone is connected without having a recipient answering the phone. It is wiretapping but not through the phone but speaker function and one can hear the talk around the telephone without having a person answering. It is not recording system but hearing system but definately is wiretapping. Is this illegal in the work? Then if it is, how can I report this issue to labor department under CA government?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Wiretapping but not recording only hearing
Telephones at the workplace (except personal cell phones) belong to the employer, as does the time you are at work. The expectation of such privacy in workplace telephone use is considerably diminished.
There is a similar issue with workplace computers. One should not expect to have any privacy when using the employer's computer. The employer may observe what internet sites one is surfing, and may even terminate a person if such surfing violates company policy or even exceeds normal internet use in the workplace.
If you are inclined, you might inquire about the phone. But expect that the response might be disproportionate to your inquiry.