E‐mail use and abuse

The use of electronic mail has grown exponentially in the last five years. When used effectively, it is a very effective messaging and information medium. However, abuse of e‐mail can be a significant risk to a company: increasingly e‐mail figures in defamation and libel cases, and it is often the company, not just the individual sender of the e‐mail, that is held to be responsible and liable. Establishing and ensuring adherence to a policy on the proper use of e‐mail can minimise such risks – and can yield financial savings. This paper sets out the case for establishing an e‐mail policy and presents sample policies and guidelines for the effective use of e‐mail services.