We block access to Hotmail and similar web-based email accounts - if I typed
the address in now I would get a Restricted Site page. I don't work in IT
and my IT colleagues could probably explain it better than me, but I think
that the reason for this is that by blocking access to web-based email, we
hope to reduce the risk that harmful or undesirably large attachments etc.
will be sent to work computers. We aren't allowed to use email for non-work
purposes, and the intention seems to be that these two things together are
designed to prevent the flow of non-work, risky material onto our network.
Although I suspect that misuse still goes on, I think the approach works
fairly well - I have not encountered anything like the problems with email
that I have seen in other places. In general, though it can be inconvenient,
I think it has an obvious security benefit and I support it. Every now and
again, I send an email in response to something and worry afterwards that it
could be seen as a personal email, but that anything which makes people
think about the emails that they send is probably a good thing.
Regards
Tim Turner
Data Protection / FOI Officer
Legal and Property Services
Wigan Council
Tel: 01942 488354 (ext 8354)
-----Original Message-----
From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Peter Rooney
Sent: Wed 18 July 2007 07:57
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [data-protection] private email accounts
Dear List Members,
I should be grateful for guidance towards information on the legal risks to
a Local Authority arising from the use of private (e.g. "hotmail") email
accounts for the receipt or redirection of Council business emails, in
particular by elected members. Breach of the DPA is clearly one risk,
however, does anyone have further information that is relevant, or could you
please direct me towards it?
Furthermore, I would like to hear from other Local Authorities about their
policies and practice for managing such email accounts or requests for them.
If you employ prohibitions on their use, what are the justifications that
are used?
Many thanks.
Peter Rooney
Corporate Information Manager
North Somerset Council
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