Big Brother Is Watching!

[DennyCrane]

Have you ever had that feeling at work that someone was watching you? It might not be just a feeling. We're moving well past the days of simple keystroke recorders and web browser history checks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimesOnline

Microsoft submitted a patent application in the US for a “unique monitoring system” that could link workers to their computers. Wireless sensors could read “heart rate, galvanic skin response, EMG, brain signals, respiration rate, body temperature, movement facial movements, facial expressions and blood pressure”, the application states.

Very soon, your boss will not only know everything you do on your computer, he might know your level of stress, your attentiveness, and even if you're being honest. Microsoft has applied for a patent that will allow bosses to measure many physiological signals... through your work computer!
If this process pans out, employers could and likely will use the information to terminate employees, bringing about a whole new slew of lawsuits.
Microsoft seeks patent for office 'spy' software - Times Online

[FuzzyLogik]

....wow. Maybe Microsoft is making it so they can...make sure their own employees are doing what they need to be doing?

heh! crazyness. that's a whole new level of privacy evasion that could be a huge gray area... is there such a thing as personal privacy when you're working in front of your computer?

[CoffeeShark]

can they detect morning wood?

[FrenchArbitor]

No way will this see the light of day in a normal office setting anytime soon. I can see it being used in study groups and so forth, but as FuzzyLogik pointed out, that's a whole new level of invasiveness if you ask me.

[SonicSpeed]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FuzzyLogik

....wow. Maybe Microsoft is making it so they can...make sure their own employees are doing what they need to be doing?

Yeah because we know how much they slacked off while working on Vista

[MarkOfDeath]

I would imagine that using this with employees wouldn't do employers a whole lot of good, but instead, this would be excellent for use with virtual reality and human interface devices.

Jane Fonda Workout Sims FTW?

[DennyCrane]

Right now, your employer can say that as a condition of employment, you may not smoke. And he can say you're not allowed to smoke ~anywhere~. Home, car, etc. They're testing you for nicotine levels. It's gone to court and the employer has won. It's a dangerous slippery slope. What's next... you have too high a body fat index? Your hobby of B.A.S.E. jumping is too dangerous?

[CoffeeShark]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DennyCrane

Right now, your employer can say that as a condition of employment, you may not smoke. And he can say you're not allowed to smoke ~anywhere~. Home, car, etc. They're testing you for nicotine levels. It's gone to court and the employer has won. It's a dangerous slippery slope. What's next... you have too high a body fat index? Your hobby of B.A.S.E. jumping is too dangerous?

the body fat thing is already decided - with insurance companies able to use it on life insurance, employers will easily use it in the future.

[useful_idiot]

great...no more peeing in the work shower.
For any of you!

[FuzzyLogik]

so much for an "equal opportunity employer" -- i guess that only relates to your race and sexual orientation now?