Meta and Google get data from the app your boss uses to track you - The Verge
A new study on workplace monitoring tools found that all nine examined shared worker data with third parties.
The abstract of the study itself:
Abstract
This report investigates the data collection practices of nine widely used workplace monitoring platforms to determine the extent to which they track and analyze employee activity, behavior, or performance during work, including how these platforms transmit worker information and to which third-parties. This report finds that (1) nine out of nine workplace monitoring platforms studied directly shared identifying worker data to third parties, (2) nine out of nine workplace monitoring platforms studied shared information about workers’ online activities with third parties, and (3) three out of nine workplace monitoring platforms studied utilize features to track workers’ precise location. This report contextualizes the practice of workplace monitoring within the broader data policy landscape to argue that workers face similar privacy vulnerabilities and lack of protections already seen in consumer landscapes. This report concludes with recommendations for regulators, policy and lawmakers, and researchers and investigative journalists.
The abstract of the study itself:
Abstract
This report investigates the data collection practices of nine widely used workplace monitoring platforms to determine the extent to which they track and analyze employee activity, behavior, or performance during work, including how these platforms transmit worker information and to which third-parties. This report finds that (1) nine out of nine workplace monitoring platforms studied directly shared identifying worker data to third parties, (2) nine out of nine workplace monitoring platforms studied shared information about workers’ online activities with third parties, and (3) three out of nine workplace monitoring platforms studied utilize features to track workers’ precise location. This report contextualizes the practice of workplace monitoring within the broader data policy landscape to argue that workers face similar privacy vulnerabilities and lack of protections already seen in consumer landscapes. This report concludes with recommendations for regulators, policy and lawmakers, and researchers and investigative journalists.