Employer Compliance with the Patriot Act Essay Example for Free

Employer Compliance with the Patriot Act EssaySection 215 of the Patriot Act is an amendment to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 which states the federal government advise request, and obtain, any tangible things (including books, records, papers, documents, and other items) for an investigation to protect against international terrorism or clandestine intelligence activities (Aftab, 2003). This information may include E-mail messages, telecommunications, pursuit engine audits, etc. Privacy laws state that disclosure of personally identifiable information can only be requested via a court come out or subpoena.A company may face legal liability if it voluntarily complies with a government request for personal information. It is often a position violation of posted privacy policies in an employee manual. This is considered a contract between the employer and employee and if it is breached, the company may be sued, particularly if there is no explanation regard ing the bear on to be followed in the instance of receiving a court order or warrant. Compliance with the Patriot Act could violate non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements, as well.ReferencesAftab, Parry (October 20, 2003). The Privacy attorney Patriotism, Compliance and Confidentiality. Information Week. Retrieved February 29, 2008 from the Information Week Website http//www.informationweek.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=15306232.