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Covert CCTV Monitoring in the Workplace?

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the sign-o'-the-times dept.

An Inquiring Mind asks: "A good friend's employer has recently installed a CCTV system in the office she works at. This is not unusual in itself, but there is no notice that CCTV is in use, and no company policy regarding CCTV use in employee monitoring, data retention, or anything else. My understanding is that CCTV use in the UK is covered by the DPA (Data Protection Act) if: it is used to gather information about an individual; is monitored remotely; or is given to people other than law enforcement bodies (this from a CCTV/PDA document [pdf], from the website of the Information Commissioner's Office). If it does fall under the remit of the DPA, then they would need at least signage, and a policy for the retention of the data. Given that this camera would likely fall foul of the DPA, that challenging the employer would be career suicide (due to internal politics), and that she has nothing to hide -- what do other Slashdot readers think should be the next step for my friend: principled but suicidal stand, or quiet annoyance?" Much of what is allowed depends on the law of the land in your area. Depending on what the laws do and do not allow, how would you safely approach your employers to air your concerns on this subject?

3 of 109 comments (clear)

  1. A wise man once wrote.. by phozz+bare · · Score: 5, Funny

    It is said: Go not to the Slashdotters for counsel, for they will say both no and yes.

    (with apologies to Tolkien)

    1. Re:A wise man once wrote.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny
      > It is said: Go not to the Slashdotters for counsel, for they will say both no and yes.
      >
      >(with apologies to Tolkien)

      Ask not the Slashdotters for counsel, for they will say that in Soviet Russia, North Korea and Japan, you will only email old people both "yes" and "no". And that Natalie Portman, naked and petrified, in hot grits... may not be soggy, but she sure tastes good with ketchup.

      (with apologies to GNU/Tolkien)

      Oh, and CCTV? Don't worry about it. CCTV is dead. [netcraft.blogspot.com]

      I think that about covers all the base that are belo*WHAM WHAM WHAM*
      NO CARRIER

  2. Re:Dogs and lasers.. by tomhudson · · Score: 5, Funny

    My dogs absolutely love it. There's something to be said about 400 pounds of dogs chasing a tiny dot, pushing each other out of the way. Especially when they try to "gnaw" it off the floor or stomp it with a paw.

    What spooks them is the radio-controlled truck one of my daughters gave me for christmas a few years ago. I haven't met a dog that isn't totally freaked by it. Its funny watching my St. Bernard trying to hide in a bathtub (its the only way to get her into the tub).

    Next step - "r/c trucks with frigging lasers strapped on them" :-)