Can my employer read my texts?

Woody426 · Apr 11, 2013

I am switching over to a Company provided phone on the Verizon network. As part of my contract I had to sign a "Cellular Phone Policy" form, which I actually sat down and read before signing.
There was an interesting section that caught my eye. I will spare you the legalese and summarize.
In a nutshell it said that the company maintained the write to read any and all text messages sent to or from the phone, and view/store any attached photographs.
Now I'm an old man, I don't do any nefarious things on my phone, however it did peak my interest.
First, is it possible for them to monitor things like texts and attachments, and secondly if so is there a way to circumvent these practices and maintain my privacy?

DragonSlayer95 · Apr 11, 2013

I'm not sure about now but there *use* to be an add on to verizon plans that actually shows in detail what each text said and the photo attachments too in the online statements and paper statements as well.

Unfortunately there isn't a way around this to protect your privacy as far as I know.

ardchoille · Apr 11, 2013

Woody426 said:
I am switching over to a Company provided phone on the Verizon network. As part of my contract I had to sign a "Cellular Phone Policy" form, which I actually sat down and read before signing.
There was an interesting section that caught my eye. I will spare you the legalese and summarize.
In a nutshell it said that the company maintained the write to read any and all text messages sent to or from the phone, and view/store any attached photographs.
Now I'm an old man, I don't do any nefarious things on my phone, however it did peak my interest.
First, is it possible for them to monitor things like texts and attachments, and secondly if so is there a way to circumvent these practices and maintain my privacy?

To be on the safe side, since this is a company provided device, I would recommend a mindset of "the company can view anything on the phone". I feel that would help keep you in the company's good graces in the long run.

Woody426 · Apr 11, 2013

What if I used Yahoo messenger, or one of the apps like Handcent SMS?

ExtremeNerd · Apr 11, 2013

Just because they have the right does not mean they have the ability. Legally, you signed the agreement, so they can take your phone at any time should the need arise. This is how my company handles it as well.

It is more difficult to track them in real time. It requires an app that monitors your phone. There are several available, and your company may have one. Better to be safe and assume they can.

Demache · Apr 11, 2013

It might be just to absolve them of any privacy legality issues if they have to investigate something on that line.

I would imagine they have the capability to request that information from Verizon if they need to investigate something though. In other words, don't send anything you wouldn't send in your company email, you'll probably be all right. And the the only reason they would investigate is if they have a reason to (so don't do anything nefarious with your company phone!). I highly doubt they have someone go through all your messages at the end of every month, so I wouldn't worry about that.

gtbarry · Apr 11, 2013

It's true that they may or may not want or have the ability to read your texts or keylog you.

But time and time and time again, courts have ruled that if the company owns the equipment (and I assume are also paying for your service), they have the right to dictate what the device can and cannot be used for and the right to check up on their policies.

The one caveat is that you cannot be discriminated against and be single-targeted for inspection without cause.

Woody426 · Apr 12, 2013

Thanks for the input. Like I said I don't do anything on my phone that I have any reason to be concerned about, however I DO text back and forth with family about some medical issues that are not something that I want anyone else to have access to.
I guess I can keep my personal phone for those purposes.
Still curious about Yahoo messenger and Hancent SMS though.

Hadron · Apr 12, 2013

Well Handcent is just an alternative SMS front end. It has some more customisations, but it still uses the same messaging service, inbox, outbox, and any messages sent with Handcent can be read with the stock messaging app and vice-versa. So it makes no difference for your purpose.

AmneonX · Apr 12, 2013

You should be safe to use Yahoo IM or Google Talk or AIM. In order to view those, they would have to physically have access to the phone or account.

I can tell you, that there are apps that can monitor Text messages, Picture Messages, Browsing History, and GPS location of said occurrence. If its something you don't want viewed from one of the above named IM applications, I recommend deleting after every conversation.

Can my employer read my texts?

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