Is it illegal for me to read my colleagues emails?

Question

I am a sales supervisor and was curious of some emails that were being sent between 2 colleagues. I went in to one of there emails and found horrible comments about many people in the office, for example, "the office fat club" and have even got pictures to go along with them. I would like to tell the manager about theese but would this put me in jeopardy for reading the emails in the first place?

Answer 1

It may not be illegal, but it is wrong. You are invading his/her privacy.

Answer 2

It depends on their lawyer and what you say.

Answer 3

I think it is illegal...the right to privacy and data protection laws etc...

Answer 4

Depends on your office policies towards E-mail and computers.  Most companies should have an acceptable usage policy that states that the Equipment belongs to the company and should only be used for company business.  As such the E-mails are also company E-mails, and should not be considered private.

Now all that said and done, there is a certain level of privacy that people should consider, and while it is OK for management to look at E-mail to ensure that only proper information is going out and that nobody is attempting to E-mail customer list and such, check E-mail because you are "curious" is not a valid reason for going through someones In-Box.  BTW are these two people colleagues or staff which you supervise ?

Answer 5

If you are their supervisor and it is their work email then itcould be ok, you will need to know your companies policy.  I have access to all of ,my employees emails and they know this.  With company email the employees don't own the email, the company does.  

If you got into their hotmail or personal account that is different.

Answer 6

i think it is. but i mean just tell the colleague he can do it for you cant he?

Answer 7

No not at all.  Go ahead and read her e-mail and see what happens to you and your job....you will probably get a big raise and a promotion.

Answer 8

sorry buddy, even though they were sending malicious comments, they were keeping it between themselves. I think it'll be best to mind your own business for now. If you find them treating those victims poorly go ahead and tell the boss, but otherwise, I'd take life as it is, in the quiet lane

Answer 9

Hmmmm..... That's tough. I probably wouldn't tell him fearing loosing my job, but the right thing to do would be to tell your boss. It's really you decision. If you manager is nice then I would tell him but if he's someone not to mess with then don't. I hope I helped. I can't really give you any better advice than that. It's a tough situation. I really hope I helped you!! God Bless You!! =]