Issues of privacy at the forefront of concerns for U.S. citizens

Issues of privacy, monitoring and surveillance are now at the forefront of concerns for U.S. citizens.

Milwaukee, Wis. - September 06, 2006 -- Nearly 80% of organizations exercise some form of employee surveillance, according to an article in the latest issue of Communication Theory. The USA PATRIOT Act was implemented in October 2003 with the intention of thwarting terrorist organizations, but the effects the law is having on the general population has now raised concerns for many U.S. citizens and civil liberties organizations.

In the current climate, surveillance is actively supported, which sends a signal to many organizations that surveillance of employees will continue to be tolerated at unprecedented levels. Although current law protects individuals from surveillance of personal communication, exceptions provide work organizations many loopholes that allow them to monitor their employees, sometimes with little or no notice.