What are the laws governing employee privacy?

Employee privacy in Texas is protected by both state and federal law. The Texas Workforce Commission, the state’s regulatory body responsible for workplace issues, has adopted the federal Employee Polygraph Protection Act, which prohibits employers from requiring employees to take polygraph (lie detector) tests, unless they are part of a criminal investigation or of a drug screening test required by law. The Texas Commission on Human Rights also protects employee privacy rights by prohibiting employers from snooping into the personal lives of employees. Employers are not allowed to access an employee’s personal emails, phone messages, or personal social media accounts without the employee’s written consent. However, employers can access company-owned computers, internet networks, and other communication systems for legitimate business purposes. Employers are also allowed to monitor employee telephone conversations and monitor emails for the purpose of determining potential violations of company policies. Employees have the right to be free from discrimination based on their personal information, including genetic information, according to the Texas Labor Code. Employers are prohibited from using employee records for any purpose other than to evaluate employee performance and establish employee conduct. In conclusion, Texas workers can feel secure in the knowledge that their personal information is protected by state and federal laws. The Texas Workforce Commission and other regulatory bodies ensure that employee privacy rights are respected in the workplace.

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What are the laws governing employee privacy?

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