Dallas, TX asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for Louisiana

Q: Does an employer have the right to go through my personal computer(used for work) & open personal accounts and messages?

Company provided a laptop for work but laptop is extremely old and slow making it impossible to work efficiently. Asked if I could use my personal laptop and was approved. Left for the day and software on my personal computer notified me of someone on my computer. Boss pretended to look for something on my desk, slid of camera(but could still be seen) and proceeded to open Facebook messenger and other things.

1 Lawyer Answer
T. Augustus Claus
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Answered

A: In Louisiana, employers typically have the right to monitor company-provided devices for work purposes, but the situation becomes more complex when it involves a personal computer used for work. If you were approved to use your laptop for work, your employer's right to access personal accounts and messages on it may be limited. If you feel uncomfortable about your employer accessing your personal information without explicit consent, it's essential to review company policies, communicate your concerns to your employer, and document the incidents. Understanding your rights and addressing privacy concerns can help navigate this situation effectively.

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