Technology and the Workplace: Week in Review (Watching the Trends Edition)

As we follow the tech trends in this space, the fortunes of Google and Apple continue to grow and, alas, RIM, the maker of Blackberry, continues to struggle.  Blackberries remain an integral part of many workplaces, but it is clear that a growing number of employers will allow, provide or encourage employees to choose other devices, and that the Blackberry's share of the corporate marketplace will, at least in the near future, continue to tumble.   Privacy, security and training issues for employers are all impacted by the choice of smartphone device.   This is a trend we will continue to watch.

A number of commentators have constructed summaries of the the NLRB's social media opinions; a brief but useful one is featured below, along with a link to an audio clip of the NLRB's Acting General Counsel discussing the issue.  It is worth a read and a listen. 

Technology in the Workplace

• Social Media and Privacy Cannot Coexist (Ohio Employment Law Blog)
• Rhyme or Reason?  Trying to Make Sense of the NLRB's Social Media Cases (Labor Relations Update)
• Your Social Media Policy May Need Revamping (Labor & Employment Law Blog)
• DOL Launches More Smartphone Apps (NetWorked)
• Auto Workers Use Social Media to Increase Transparency in Contract Talks (Today's Workplace)
• NLRB Acting General Counsel on National Public Radio Discusses Social Media (Labor Related)
• Blackberry Issues Resolved: Will FLSA Lawsuits Follow? (Employment Matters)

Technology and the Law More Generally

• OnStar Announces Reversal of Controversial Vehicle Data Collection Proposals (Privacy and Information Security Law Blog)
• Google Shedding AdWords Liability (eMedia Law Insider)
• Lawsuit Claims Facebook Violated Wiretap Laws (Business Week)
• Privacy Alert: Verizon is Now Monitoring Your Web Habits (ComputerWorld)

Technology this Week

• Stanford Research Unveils Latest Internet Privacy Study (Inside Privacy)
• Blackberry Outage Spurs Law Firm to Consider Switch (ABA Journal)
• All Apologies: NetFlix v. RIM in Mea Culpa Matchup (Fast Company)
• iPhone 4s Sales May Reach 4 Million This Weekend (Business Week)
• Microsoft Acquisition of Skype Now Official (Mashable)
• Google Chrome Could Beat Firefox by Year-End (PC World)

Compiled and Contributed by Scott Raver