Spying on Employee E-Mail?

This is a very controversial subject, and frankly I am completely against the idea that any company can monitor employee e-mails. Computer time usage and the sites they go to? Sure. Scannign employee e-mails? Not so much. Someone out there buying bunk beds online during work? I guess you could make an argument, but I see us losing enough of our rights in this country lately that my jerk reaction into any sort of spying, anywhere is to revolt.

The law regarding employers' rights to employee e-mails and computer usage is evolving as fast as the technology. Federal law prohibits the unauthorized interception of, retrieval of or access to certain wire or electronic communications, including stored communications such as e-mail. Violators are subject to various civil and criminal penalties. However, once the communications are downloaded to a company computer, they may be subject to control by an employer. more..