Microsoft to Spy on Employees

4T writes "Forget about monitoring your computers with spyware, now they're going to monitor the users as well! 'Microsoft is developing Big Brother-style software capable of remotely monitoring a worker's productivity, physical wellbeing and competence. The Times has seen a patent application filed by the company for a computer system that links workers to their computers via wireless sensors that measure their metabolism. The system would allow managers to monitor employees' performance by measuring their heart rate, body temperature, movement, facial expression and blood pressure. Unions said they fear that employees could be dismissed on the basis of a computer's assessment of their physiological state.'"

Comments

= tobacco companies studies of smoking?

[G4from128k]

Given how much my blood pressure skyrockets under the influence of Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, I'm not sure that MS really will want this data due to liability issues. If MS collects data that shows that MS products reduce the health and wellbeing of users, that makes MS more culpable for those products. Of course, IANAL so maybe a new "not responsible for user's health" section of the the EULA will cover MS legally.

Snow Crash and YT's mom

[hansamurai]

This reminds me of the chapter in Snow Crash that focuses on YT's mom's job for the feds. Federal employees have to constantly take lie detector tests and all emails have a suggested reading time. If the employee reads a note faster than expected, they're probably skimming and not taking in all the information. If the employee takes too long to read, then they're probably slow or distracted. It was a great chapter tucked into the middle of the book.

Thoughtcrime IS death...

[jackpot777]

So Microsoft will know if your heart races because you saw something you shouldn't have, because you saw something that reveals you know too much, and they'll know if you are trying to cover up your panic instead of exhibiting a "WTF is this?" response?

Hmmmm.

Reminds me of some bloke I heard about once. Winston, I think his name was. Got fed information about something he shouldn't have known about at work, so his employer tested him out by slipping him a photo showing a meeting that should never have taken place. Winston reacted with instinct instead of controlling his emotions, which were observed... which eventually led to his incarceration, torture, and psychological breaking. Once that had happened, he was done in.

Funny story. Maybe someone should write a book about it. Or make a film.

Re:1984

[Klaus_1250]

Unfortunately, 80% of the people seem to be unable in seeing subtle nuances. In fact, I doubt that subtlety or nuance is part of their vocabulary.

Of course, there is the 19% that does, but because they are the minority and generally express themselves in a subtle delicate and sophisticated manner, get ignored by the previous 80%.

Leaves us with 1% left. They have read the book and see the projected future as either inevitable or a great opportunity. And figure it is best for 99% of the population if they control this "gradual attrition of human rights via subtle nuances and ideals put in place by the powers that be". Which happens to be them in the first place.

With Great Power Comes Great Liability

[giminy]

I don't think an employer really wants this. It may open them to an interesting liability avenue.

Imaginary scenario:

John Smith is sitting at his desk, typing away at the report for tomorrow's deadline. His blood pressure and heart rate spike momentarily, then calm down. His left arm becomes slightly numb, but he thinks nothing of this. About 20 minutes later, he drops dead.

His family turns and sues Megacorp. Megacorp had access to his vital statistics, and should have noticed the warning signs that he was having a heart attack. Had the company acted upon these all-too-obvious signs, it would have saved John's life. The courts rule with Ms. Smith, and award damages of US$40M. Megacorp goes bankrupt.

Reid.out