Author
E-mail, networks and the internet: a concise guide to compliance with the law (xpl publications, 6th edn, 2006) 224 pp (The Indian edition is published by Universal Law Publishing Co. Pvy. Ltd.)
This text is aimed at people in organizations that are responsible for e-mail and internet policies and how to implement them: HR, company secretary, IT and internal legal. It considers the practical issues and includes a wide range of examples from the employment tribunal reports, together with an appendix dealing with some of the questions you should ask a vendor when buying an e-mail archiving system.
Chapter 1 Networked communications in context
Chapter 2 The liability
Chapter 3 Types of misuse
Chapter 4 Legal liability of the employer
Chapter 5 Monitoring networked communications
Chapter 6 Workers and personal data
Chapter 7 Storing networked communications
Chapter 8 Evidence
Chapter 9 Content of the networked communications policy
Chapter 10 Operational implementation of the policy
Appendix 1 Check list for the network communications use policy
Appendix 2 Examples of misuse of networked communications
Appendix 3 Some useful resources
Appendix 4 Archiving and storage products
Reviews of the 5th edition
Tamzin Mathews, Computers & Law , December 2005/January 2006 Volume 16 Issue 5:
‘The thing that sets this book apart from many other similar books on the market is its sheer entertainment value. The layout is attractive and easy to read, and the book relies heavily on cases to illustrate key points, which in this area of the law, in itself provides some amusing material.
The book promises to be concise, and concise it is, providing just the right amount of information to be used as a reference book by a practitioner who quickly wants to remind him or herself of the outline details of a particular case, or to obtain a quick overview of a particular topic. Because of the fact that the book does not seek to over-complicate the issues, and relies on entertaining examples to demonstrate the legal points, it is likely to be invaluable for those on the lecture circuit or those who are called upon to explain this topic to lay people. The format of the book also renders it a perfect start point for the novice or those without legal training. The book provides sensible practical guidance in a “tips” section, which in reality many readers will be looking for, rather than academic conjecture.
For those who are wrestling with more complex legal issues arising from the use of networked communications, such as what to do in group companies in cross border e-mail monitoring situations, a more heavy-weight publication would be required. Those who are likely to have to answer questions on the lines of “what if?” from those whom they advise will probably want to obtain the full case reports for the cases summarised in the books, as the format of the book by necessity has lead to some over-simplification of the cases cited. However, as an entry level text, I have yet to find a book that beats this one for accessibility.’
Niels J Bjergstrom, Information Security Bulletin Volume 10 Issue 6 July 2005:
‘This is a ‘must read’ book for everybody tasked with implementing and controlling networks, writing email and data retention policies and assuring compliance with the law. The book applies equally to large and small organisations, public as well as private. We have mentioned this work before, but because this is an area of law which changes frequently it is necessary to keep up to date by re-reading the book regularly. Compliance is currently a buzzword, and it is good to know what it is you’re complying with, how to do it and how to document compliance.
The book is written with a broad, lay audience in mind and is easy to read and understand despite the often convoluted complexity of the subject. It deals in depth with the relationship between employer and employee in connection with networked communications but also e.g. Data retention in other contexts. It is based on English law.
The author quotes around 40 cases, some of them hilariously funny to read. In many cases it seems to be attitudes that need to change and legislation rolled back to before the age of ridiculous levels of political correctness …….
We have seen a number of books on this subject over the past few years. I must say that, as a lay person in relation to jurisprudence, I consider this the authoritative work for persons like myself. It is clearly written and updated regularly. Refrain from reading it at your peril!’
