My boss is watching me while I telecommute? The use of technology allows the superior to spy upon his employees. This practice is not common because it is covered by law but unions are alert.
There are many ways to determine if Teams is present at work. These include the “connected” light in work email and spyware. These devices are installed on employees’ computers and can capture keystrokes and screenshots that are sent to the superior every five seconds.
Companies that specialize in this area have seen their activity increase by locking downs. American Hubstaff claims that it has nearly 600,000 customers around the world. France? This software is illegal as it doesn’t comply with the GDPR.
Xavier Delporte (director of research, National Commission for IT and Liberties) recalls that GDPR-compliant devices are subject to the employer’s obligation to inform employees at the time they are installed.
Xavier Delporte recalls that one of these devices is “the filtering access to certain sites, for security purposes, must not deviate toward a systematic verification”
According to the CNIL, remote computer monitoring tools complaints are very rare. Employees with the personal data constable filed “less than 10” complaints about this topic in 2021. The majority of complaints filed by the Cnil (“more that 80%”) concern “classic surveillance” at work and not malicious use or secretly turning on a webcam. Part of the 20% remaining concern the geolocation and tracking of company vehicles.
Unions have spyware that is hidden from employees. Sophie Binet (CGT des cadres-CGT), secretary general, says that these means are so intrusive and discrete that many will not know they are being monitored. She also talks about more traditional surveillance methods, like nuisance calls from superiors or reprimanding employees if they don’t appear “connected” during work hours.
Bertrand Mahe is the national confederal delegate for the CFE-CGC. He believes that the “temptation” of spying on his teams is a sign of failing management. He says, “There are certain drifts on employees’ side, but they are just like rare as in management.”
Bertrand Mahe says that all methods that can be used to verify that an employee is focused on his task are false. He points out that “the connection between hours of presence & efficiency is far from being proved”.
