Can an employer post an employee’s personal cell phone in the company directory?
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Can an employer post an employee’s personal cell phone in the company directory?
Sure the company can include cell phones which the company provides to be listed but what about an employee’s personal cell phone? Wouldn’t they need special permission first?
Asked on November 21, 2018 under Employment Labor Law, Colorado
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
A cell phone number is not protected information such as a SSN, financial or other confidential information are. Accordingly, it can be published by a company or any other entity or person who has it. Additionally, a company can set the terms and conditions of employment much as it sees fit (absent some form of legally actionable discrimination). So unless publishing your cell number in the company directory violates the terms of a union agreement or employment contract, it is legal.
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
No, they don't need special permisson for a personal cell phone:
1) There is nothing protected or confidential about phone numbers: they are not like social security numbers or bank account information. Anyone who knows a cell number can post it or publicize it.
2) They could also make it a term or condition of employment--i.e. a work requirement--that employee phone numbers be posted and so get your permission (if they had needed it), unless you chose to quit rather than have your number be in the directory.
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