Employers often monitor or restrict their employees work Internet usage to guard against risk and also to ensure workplace productivity. Often employers have a written policy regarding work Internet usage which clearly outlines the specific rules and regulations that employees must follow. In some cases, access to the Internet through office computers may be restricted using blocking programs or other means; in other cases, employers may decide to limit Internet access entirely. Monitoring programs are also common in the workplace to track employees Internet usage, and employees may not always be aware that monitoring programs are being used. These programs allow employers to view employees web surfing history and may also allow them to read any emails sent from work computers. Most US laws favor employers when it comes to Internet surveillance at work, giving them the right to protect their business by monitoring and controlling their employees work Internet usage.