NSW will outlaw unauthorised cybersnooping on employees using technology including video cameras, e-mail and tracking devices, Attorney-General Bob Debus announced today.
The new laws would make it a criminal offence to undertake any form of covert surveillance unless an employer could show a reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing by an employee.
"The law to date has not provided any guidance when legitimate employer concern crosses the line into unauthorised cybersnooping," Debus told parliament.
"While some employers argue that this is necessary to protect their legitimate interests, employees expect that their private correspondence, like their private telephone calls or private conversations, should never be the subject of secret monitoring."
Debus said an Exposure Bill was to be released next month and the consultation process was expected to take six weeks.
A recent study found about 80 per cent of Australian bosses used surveillance equipment to keep tabs on their staff's e-mails, phone calls and Internet usage.
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