Reply #14: Based on another Seattle P-I story today, here's more of the story: [View All]

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/339884_email16.html

Friday, November 16, 2007
Last updated 11:27 a.m. PT

At work, all e-mail can be public
By DAN RICHMAN
P-I REPORTER

By now, most employees have gotten the message: It's both technically possible and legally permissible for your employer to read e-mail you send or receive at work.

That seems logical. If you're using an e-mail address ending with your company's name -- a type of e-mail known as POP3 (Post Office Protocol) -- the address makes it clear that the company owns the domain name and the server on which the e-mail system resides.

But what about Web-based e-mail, such as Gmail, Hotmail and Yahoo Mail?

Sure, you write and read it on your employer's computer, but it somehow seems like it's more private. You can access it from anywhere, and the company's name isn't part of your address.

"Web-based e-mail is absolutely perceived to be more secure by many employees, but I think employers can monitor it," said Virginia Culler, 26, a freelance writer who lives in Capitol Hill.

Right on both accounts, experts say. They warn workers to curb their tendencies toward unfettered personal expression, whistle-blowing and any other activity on the Internet that they'd rather the world not know about.

(More at link above ^^^^^^^^)