Firms clamping down on internet misuse

More than two-thirds of firms in the UK have disciplined staff for viewing pornographic images on company computers, it was revealed today.

A survey of 200 organisations also showed that more than half of senior managers were not aware of their legal liability over the problem.

Most companies had some technology in place to stop inappropriate images finding their way onto their websites, but 70% could not prevent material being downloaded on to computers or camera phones.

“In a climate where the obligations for corporate governance are increasing, the survey highlights that a high number of companies and their directors are exposed to the risks and potential liabilities from illegal and inappropriate images in the workplace,” said Dave McLoughlin, Director of PixAlert, which helps firms prevent illegal image use.

“Companies need to tackle this sensitive issue with a combination of good policies and procedures and the deployment of suitable technology.”

Imogen Haslam, of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, which helped with the research, added: “Many people may view some inappropriate computer images as a bit of harmless fun.

“But this is not just about sparing blushes. A culture where some dodgy pictures are tolerated can all too easily create the environment where far more offensive or even illegal images can find their way into an organisation, by accident or otherwise.”