Security News > 2021 > January > Bosses are using monitoring software to keep tabs on working at home. Privacy rules aren't keeping up
Professionals union Prospect warned that the UK was at risk of 'sleepwalking into a world of surveillance' as more businesses turn to digital tools to keep tabs on remote workers.
With employers no longer able to oversee work directly, some have turned to software as a means of keeping tabs on what their employees are up to.
Microsoft subsequently reeled in the feature, with Microsoft 365 corporate vice president, Jared Spataro, suggesting that it had been intended not as a means for monitoring employees, but rather to help businesses identify areas of friction within remote working.
Pakes said more scrutiny of digital monitoring tools was needed now that a large chunk of the professional workforce was working from home.
Research from Prospect in December found that two-thirds of workers were uncomfortable with monitoring and surveillance technology being used while they were working remotely.
Chi Onwurah MP, Labour's shadow digital minister, suggested the introduction of new remote working technology was at risk of outstripping current ICO guidance, which she said was "Woefully outdated in light of the accelerated move to remote working and rapid advancements in technology."