Due to the pandemic, many employees worked from home, but some companies have already returned to normal activities. One of the tools that became more important during this period was the use of WhatsApp for work-related matters. “As the employee resolved most issues at home using their personal number, this app also became more viable in the physical workplace, thus migrating to it,” points out labor law specialist attorney Wiler Coelho.
What few people know is that once an employee accesses their personal account from a corporate computer, their privacy may be invaded. According to the attorney, companies that monitor these machines have access to both emails and apps like WhatsApp. “It is the employer's right to safeguard and supervise their property for the exercise of the function entrusted to the employee, and thus, the act is not characterized as illegal,” explains Coelho. The practice is only not illegal if the employee is using a personal machine: “In this case, it is considered an invasion of privacy.” The issue is still widely discussed in the judicial realm, so caution is advised. “If you are in the company using a computer that is not yours, it is best to have your private conversations on your mobile device to avoid any embarrassment,” the attorney adds.
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