Are instant messages potentially incriminating? After reading this, I have to believe so.

[WEEKENDALKI]

http://cnn.netscape.cnn.com/news/story.jsp?floc=FF-APO-1700&idq=/ff/story/0001%2F20040606%2F2123216807.htm&sc=1700
It appears from this that if you say anything on an IM that it could be used to incriminate you years and years after you sent the IM. My advice...Don't say anything on an IM that you wouldn't post right here in a public forum.

 

[Dante]

week..they are talking about TEXT messages on a cell phone

 

[Tico]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Like e-mail and Internet instant messages, text messages tend to be saved on servers.

``One of the false assumptions that people make is that when they hit the delete button, messages are gone forever, but nothing can be further from the truth,'' said Jeff Kagan, an independent telecommunications analyst in Atlanta.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

[Dante]

thanks tico did not see that...scary....ok I won't tell the general to **** off anymore on IM

 

[Dante]

http://www.epic.org/privacy/consumer/aol_revised_policy.html


D. PRIVATE COMMUNICATIONS

(i) Collection and Storage. The AOL e-mail system retains the contents of private e-mail communications for a limited period only.The AOL computer system does not record or retain any chat room communications, instant message communications, oral online communications or records of with whom you communicate in chat rooms or through instant messages or oral online communications. To retain copies of any communication you should store them on your personal computer hard drive or in print form. You agree that AOL, Inc. may employ e-mail virus-checking technology to protect its system and its Members from viruses.

 

[TheGeneral+]

Along with the Patriot Act, I can see some bothersome issues here.

 

[RIOSHILL]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Dante:
week..they are talking about TEXT messages on a cell phone<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
It said in a separate story that IM's are included. I think you are wrong here Dante.

 

[FunkSoulBrother]

AOL sure isn't storing your messages, but they are sent in plain text and can be intercepted by people sharing your network.

I doubt they could be used against you in court this way, but I wouldn't badmouth the boss over IM's unless you know none of the techies would rat you out.