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Google Touts Worker Tracking As Own CEO Goes MIA
theodp writes "On Thursday, Google announced a product that enables a business to see where all its workers are at all times. Called Maps Coordinate, it combines a paid-for business version of Google's standard maps product with an application downloaded to a worker's smartphone, creating a real-time record of worker locations. Ironically, Google touted its worker tracking solution on the very same day that CEO Larry Page was a surprise no-show at Google's Annual Shareholder Meeting, leaving Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt to explain his absence. Schmidt explained that Page had lost his voice and, as a result, would likely also miss next week's I/O conference and possibly next month's quarterly earnings call. While a Google spokeswoman declined to comment further on Page's condition, Schmidt added that Page will continue as CEO while he recovers. So, why not reassure those worried about the situation by publicly tracking Page's location via Maps Coordinate? After all, Google's a true believer in eating its own dog food, right?"
What kind of crap argument is that in the summary? Live tracking the CEO of Google because you're upset about your stocks. Genius.
Really don't see how corporate tracking of employees suddenly becomes an expectation of publicly tracking an executive.
Meh
Sunday.
Leave it to Soulskill to post this crap. Time to block the editor again eh? Sad how low the standards have gotten here.
Many companies already do this. It's to track work crews for things like utility repairs, on-site troubleshooting, etc. It helps with scheduling and knowing who's close by when the next call comes in. There are plenty of 3rd party software packages that do this but when Google gets into the mix suddenly it's all 1984.
Already happens. In some call centers you have to put your bathroom requests into the call center management applications and then the app lets you know when you can get up and go to the bathroom.
Don't know something? Look it up. Still don't know? Then ask.
I find it funny how "civilized society" to you means telling your employer to go pound sand if it's not precisely the time you're supposed to be in the building.
For me civilized is taking the occasional off-hours call in exchange for my employer allowing allowing me take an occasional (and, indeed, quite more frequent) bit of person time during work. Like reading and posting on slashdot, for instance. You know, like you're doing during these (ostensibly) business hours.
Today they're tracking us during office hours, tomorrow they're tracking us after-hours. What's next?
Hmm, perhaps
Mandatory yearly physicals that only the company gets to see the results of.
Pre-employment genetic testing.
Employment termination due to not living in an approved community.
Background checks of all family, friends, and neighbors.
Oh, so you want to work in the Defense industry?
MOD PARENT SIDEWAYS.
#DeleteChrome