# Know anyone who's been fired/disciplined for internet abuse at work? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 6, 2003, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372 "2003-05-06T12:45:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![muttrox](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a8b319/32.png) [@muttrox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muttrox)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2003, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372/21 "2003-05-06T20:14:22Z")
I know a few folks who were fired for porn. More interestingly was a gent who posted on the Yahoo message board about his company’s stock. In response to some negative posts, he replied, “You don’t know half of it.” He was gone the same day. ---
**Author:** ![TeleTronOne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4af34b/32.png) [@TeleTronOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TeleTronOne)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2003, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372/22 "2003-05-06T20:21:42Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Dragline \* > \*\*Thanks for the inputs. I’m somewhat encouraged because I haven’t heard too much about it in gov’t service, and there really ought to be some. I hate wasting taxpayer money as much as anybody. Nevertheless… [/hypocrite mode off] > \*\* My first anecdote was about a (US) government organization. However, I’ve only ever heard about those 2 people, and there are an awful lot of folks who work here. ---
**Author:** ![lissener](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lissener/32/6139_2.png) [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2003, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372/23 "2003-05-06T20:46:17Z")
I have been recently fired from TWO jobs, for reasons that were never made clear: I have an idea it was partially because of excessive (and indiscreet) internettage. Now I have a really great job, and I blame my unmedicated depression for compelling me to indulge in the self-destructive behavior of, you guessed it, excessive (and indiscreet) internettage. While I was on my 5-week temp-to-perm probation nonetheless. Turns out they have a “don’t ask don’t tell” policy as regards internettage: if you do your work, they don’t care what you do in addition. This applies also even to porn surfing. So I think I finally found a job I can keep. ---
**Author:** ![trabi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecae2f/32.png) [@trabi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/trabi)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2003, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372/24 "2003-05-06T21:09:10Z")
A word of warning: A friend of mine worked for a well-known US-owned manufacrturer of personal hygiene products, and started browsing job ads on the office internet. Within three days her superior called her into his office, commented that she didn’t seem to be happy there any more and told her to clear her desk, a month’s pay in lieu of notice, etc. etc… ---
**Author:** ![katie1341](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/91b2a8/32.png) [@katie1341](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/katie1341)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2003, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372/25 "2003-05-06T21:23:54Z")
In one of the courthouse offices here, one of the employees was reprimanded for “unauthorized and inappropriate” internet use, and they took her computer off the internet. She started using other people’s computers, and the entire office was cut off from internet access for something like 6 months. She no longer works in the courthouse. ``` Happily, my computer is not on the courthouse or county system! ``` ---
**Author:** ![light\_strand](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a6a055/32.png) [@light\_strand](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/light_strand)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2003, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372/26 "2003-05-06T21:31:59Z")
This is a bit related, so I’m going to relate it. Keep in mind that most of the department uses shared computers. There are about four computers for every six employees, used for all three shifts. Although you’re supposed to log out when you’re done most folks don’t. So it’s really hard to track down who’s actually doing what. We got a facility-wide memo from the IT department that said something along the lines of : “Please remember that we (the Company) monitor all internet usage on the company computers.” About a week later we got one that said: “Please remember that it is against company policy to view or download and any inappropriate materials to company computers.” Three days later: “Please do not view or download pornography to company computers. Also be advised, that we are able to track any computers to which said material is downloaded.” Three days later: " Despite our previous warning there’s is a department that continues to download pornography to the company computers. This is against company policy, and will result in termination." The next day: “QC CHEMISTRY KNOCK IT OFF!” We didn’t get anymore after that, but it took a long time for the guys in QC Chem. to live it down. ---
**Author:** ![stevephillips](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ab097/32.png) [@stevephillips](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stevephillips)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2003, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372/27 "2003-05-06T21:33:26Z")
A female employee where I work was fired for downloading internet porn. Not only downloading it, she was so stupid she tried to print one of the pictures. The printer jammed, so she apparently figured it just didn’t print. Next day, someone decides to unjam the printer and pulls out a picture of naked guy with an enormous erection. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2003, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372/28 "2003-05-06T22:22:30Z")
I once got in trouble at school for perusing the sex forums at SAAN. _shrug_ ---
**Author:** ![bernse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a9a28c/32.png) [@bernse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bernse)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2003, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372/29 "2003-05-06T22:28:47Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by stevephillips \* > \*\*A female employee where I work was fired for downloading internet porn. Not only downloading it, she was so stupid she tried to print one of the pictures. The printer jammed, so she apparently figured it just didn’t print. Next day, someone decides to unjam the printer and pulls out a picture of naked guy with an enormous erection. \*\* You think thats bad… A woman (I hesitate to use the term _lady_) at our Head Office was photocopying her tits and ass after hours one night as a present for her S.O. When she “threw away” the “bad” copies, she neglected to crumple them up or destroy them, she just tossed them in the trash, where they lay face _up_ until the next morning when they were discovered. She was not fired. As a matter of fact, I think she shortly thereafter received a promotion! Seriously! ---
**Author:** ![noddygrrl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/47e85d/32.png) [@noddygrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/noddygrrl)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2003, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372/30 "2003-05-06T22:32:47Z")
I’m also really curious to know how the tracking software works. Am I fooling myself into thinking I’m safe® if I clear my browser’s history, cache and cookies every day? Or is that like drawing a big red arrow to my workstation? Theoretically, we aren’t barred from workday surfing as long as it doesn’t interfere with productivity. Downloading anything and looking for porno are unsurprisingly no-nos, and it would generally be frowned upon to publish or post anything about our company to internet boards like this. I’ve never done anything which could obviously get me canned, but I’m still a little paranoid as I do do a rather excessive amount of surfing. My job is pretty unstimulating–I’d never make it through the day if I had to give it up. ---
**Author:** ![Alereon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecd19e/32.png) [@Alereon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alereon)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2003, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372/31 "2003-05-06T22:52:46Z")
**noddygrrl** : Filtering software is usually contained on the servers or routers, which means that even if you clear your system spotless, they will still at LEAST have records of every url you went to or retrieved an image from, and might possibly have the actual files stored. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2003, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372/32 "2003-05-06T22:59:17Z")
Anyone fired for inappropriately using the Internet at work? Sure, kid. Look over your shoulder. – Your Supervisor ---
**Author:** ![manhattan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/manhattan/32/7_2.png) [@manhattan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/manhattan)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2003, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372/33 "2003-05-06T23:13:20Z")
Well, the General Answer here is pretty clearly “yes,” so I’ll shoot it over to MPSIMS for more stories. ---
**Author:** ![Gr8Kat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gr8kat/32/18668_2.png) [@Gr8Kat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gr8Kat)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2003, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372/34 "2003-05-06T23:51:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by noddygrrl \* > **Am I fooling myself into thinking I’m safe® if I clear my browser’s history, cache and cookies every day?** Yes. In my experience, it makes you look _worse_ because you knew you were doing wrong and tried to conceal it, so you can’t use the “oops, I didn’t know better” excuse. > [@](#): > > \*\*Theoretically, we aren’t barred from workday surfing as long as it doesn’t interfere with productivity. Downloading anything and looking for porno are unsurprisingly no-nos, and it would generally be frowned upon to publish or post anything about our company to internet boards like this. I’ve never done anything which could obviously get me canned, but I’m still a little paranoid as I do do a rather excessive amount of surfing. My job is pretty unstimulating–I’d never make it through the day if I had to give it up. \*\* If there’s no rule against it, and it’s not interfering with your productivity, then I wouldn’t sweat it. I know, it’s a terribly tough habit to break; I’m embarrassed to recall how many times I got written up, but I finally got it under control, pretty much. Unfortunately, I worked for the state government, so even if we kept our productivity up, we were still wasting tax-payers’ money and state resources. ---
**Author:** ![Silentgoldfish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e36b37/32.png) [@Silentgoldfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silentgoldfish)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372/35 "2003-05-07T00:09:53Z")
The very first time I worked at a company it happened. I was doing work experience in year 10 for a week and 3 days in one of the full time techs was fired for having 3.2 gigs of porn hidden on the network – this was back in '97 so that was a LOT! ---
**Author:** ![stypticus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f05b48/32.png) [@stypticus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stypticus)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372/36 "2003-05-07T00:11:55Z")
Tracking software can access every bit of information that leaves your computer, and every bit that arrives. That means they can log the web pages you visit, the IM you send, the text of every email you send, the pictures you download. Most sysadmins don’t set it up that way because of the enormity of the filtering and storage tasks. However, it’s quite easy to maintain a list of websites an employee visits, and if they really want to find out what you’re doing they can delve deeper. Don’t do anything on your work computer that you wouldn’t do if your boss was standing over your shoulder. Buy a computer for home use instead. Incidentally, anyone hear of any company restrictions on encrypted connections? They can’t read your email if you encrypt it… ---
**Author:** ![stevephillips](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ab097/32.png) [@stevephillips](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stevephillips)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372/37 "2003-05-07T01:25:00Z")
I’ve been involved in a number of decisions whether to fire employees for internet porn. Our IT guys told me that when they are doing porn scans on employees’ computers, they only worry if they find evidence of either visits to hundreds of sites, or none at all. They said that virtually every employee has a few cookies for porn sites because of accidental hits or pop-ups, but if it is totally devoid of anything sexually related, the employee has probably cleansed it. They said if anyone has been visiting porn sites, they have usually have been to many, many sites. Several years ago I tried–for a totally job realted purpose–to go to [whitehouse.gov](http://whitehouse.gov), but I mistakenly typed [whitehouse.com](http://whitehouse.com). [Whitehouse.com](http://Whitehouse.com) turns out to have been a graphic porn site with pop-ups. (I just checked the .com, and it’s not as bad now as when I hit it; at least it has a warning screen now.) I immediately emailed my supervisors and explained why I had been to porn sites. Fortunately they believed me, after giving me a bad time about it. Then, of course, there is the time I tried to call a 1-800 number, and apparently dialed 1-900 [same rest of number] and some woman wanted to talk dirty to me. My supervisors were gracious about that also. ---
**Author:** ![Super\_Gnat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@Super\_Gnat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Super_Gnat)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372/38 "2003-05-07T01:47:31Z")
My mother’s boss was fired for going back to the office late at night and accessing pornography sites. However, he was also incompetent, racist, and sexist, so they had been looking for a way to fire him. She works for the government, FTR (that’s why they had so much trouble trying to fire him). ---
**Author:** ![porcupine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ac91a4/32.png) [@porcupine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/porcupine)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372/39 "2003-05-07T02:05:17Z")
I know someone who was fired for downloading kiddie porn. I don’t know exactly where the investigation went, though. ---
**Author:** ![Nvme77](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c89c15/32.png) [@Nvme77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nvme77)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372/40 "2003-05-07T03:37:12Z")
my Mother in law has this bad habit of hitting respond to all, and well, I included her on an out of office email. Great- everyone from the VP of my department to every outside agency contact got a goofy response from “loony lucy” asking in that virtually whiny way where I was going. Serves me right. My neighbor got severly flamed for downloading software from the internet. He was a breath away from getting fired. He, too, swears it was a conspiracy [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-anyone-whos-been-fired-disciplined-for-internet-abuse-at-work/173372.md?page=3)