Except under exceptional circumstances, employers in the public and private sectors cannot monitor the computers of their staff to read their email or verify the websites they may have visited, according to Italy's privacy watchdog.
In a report issued on Monday, the watchdog said "this is a particularly delicate question because by analysing the websites visited one can acquire sensitive information about employees while the text of email messages could contain information of a private nature.
At the same time, the watchdog said employers must adopt a clear code of conduct for their staff when using company computers and suggested that proper filters be sued to block access to unwanted sites.
