Employees’ Rights at Risk: MPs Call for Consent on Workplace Surveillance
A group of Members of Parliament (MPs) has expressed concerns about the use of workplace surveillance without employees’ consent. The MPs, from the Commons culture, media, and sport committee, have raised fears about the growing trend of remote monitoring of staff, emphasizing the potential risks to data security and mental health.
In a report published on Monday, the committee highlighted the negative impacts that increased use of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) in workplaces can have on employees. The MPs argued that employers should not be allowed to spy on their workers using computers and AI technology without their explicit consent.
The committee acknowledged that there are currently few safeguards in place to prevent major corporations from misusing the data they collect from their employees. As a result, the MPs recommended that any monitoring, including remote surveillance for employees working from home, should be carried out only after consultation with and consent from the staff involved.
The MPs further emphasized the need for new research commissioned by the government to understand the effects of deploying automated systems and data collection in the workplace. With the introduction of industrial robotics and AI in smart workplaces such as offices, vehicles, factories, and warehouses, the committee cautioned against the potential negative impact on employees’ well-being.
Experts who presented evidence to the committee highlighted how AI technology was being used in warehouses to monitor workers’ time and movements through connected devices. While such monitoring aimed to boost productivity, it has inadvertently led to increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of alienation among workers.
The committee also addressed the trial carried out by police forces in Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset, where officers were given Fitbit activity monitors to encourage physical activity. However, this initiative resulted in negative effects, with participants experiencing feelings of failure and guilt when they couldn’t meet their fitness goals.
In addition, the report drew attention to the use of smart technology, such as home security systems, to control victims of domestic violence. The MPs called for stronger action against tech abuse and the protection of children’s personal data.
Dame Caroline Dinenage, the Conservative chair of the committee, highlighted the risks posed by connected technology to privacy and personal safety online. She urged the government to work with manufacturers to address technology-facilitated abuse, which is expected to worsen in the future. Dame Caroline also stressed the importance of privacy settings that are intuitive and age-appropriate for children using connected devices in schools and at home.
The committee’s report serves as a significant call to action, urging employers, the government, and relevant authorities to protect employees’ rights and privacy in the increasingly digitized workplace. As technology continues to advance, it is vital to strike a balance that harnesses its benefits while mitigating any negative consequences on employees’ well-being and data security.
