WASHINGTON (AP) -- It's a growing field in the world of computer technology and that isn't necessarily a good thing for some businesses. There's a surge in the number of companies that help businesses track and search e-mails and other electronic data. The reason -- federal rule changes that deal with how such evidence can be used in lawsuits.
The new rules took effect this past Friday. They require U.S.
companies to keep better track of their employee's e-mails, instant messages and other electronic communications in case the company is sued. In the event of a federal lawsuit, both sides must now produce "electronically stored information" as part of what's known as discovery -- the process by which both sides share evidence before a trial. The rules are part of amendments to federal rules that govern civil litigation -and were approved by the Supreme Court's administrative arm in April.
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