[distances]

> Are you suggesting a framework where I could be prosecuted for running "cat /var/log/mail" on my own computer?

That is already now illegal in some (most?) European countries. For example, in Finland employer can never read the contents of employee emails, and even reading email metadata such as recipient requires prior notifications both to users and the data protection ombudsman.

Some societies did not let the digitalization to erode the basic rights.

[fencepost]

> in Finland employer can never read the contents of employee emails, and even reading email metadata such as recipient requires prior notifications both to users and the data protection ombudsman

That seems.... insane. (thought about changing that, but really, the above seems so disconnected from reality that perhaps it is an appropriate term)

(at 9AM) "Hey Bob, my email's not going through. Can you check the logs for errors?"

"Sure George, just let me send a notification to all employees and the data protection ombudsman that I'll be accessing the mail logs at 2PM so there's enough time for any objections first."

"....Never mind, I'll just print it out and fax it."

edit: Thinking about it, these days it's just as likely to end up with "I'll share it via cloud storage and just text a link."

more edit: Also, do those restrictions apply to entities subject to audit and investigation? I'm thinking financial industry, etc. where records and audit logs may have to be kept for years but I'm sure there are all sorts of regulated industries I'm not factoring in.

[briandear]

Work email == company resources used for business purposes.

If an employee drove the company car to a hooker, would that be allowed under “privacy?”

A company ought to be able to control the use of their resources. It isn’t like a company email is the only email available to people.