Crackdown needed on employers watching, filming and monitoring staff at work, experts warn

An inquiry into workplace surveillance in Victoria found that staff in workplaces across the state are increasingly subjected to “covert surveillance” like keystroke monitoring and audio taping.

A new report has warned fresh laws are needed to curb employers from spying on their employees at work. Picture: Supplied

New laws to crackdown on employers covertly watching, filming and monitoring staff at work are needed to protect Victorian workers, a new report has warned.

The Parliament inquiry into workplace surveillance in Victoria found that staff in workplaces across the state are increasingly subjected to “covert surveillance” like keystroke monitoring and audio taping, and made 18 recommendations to help protect against the roll out of hi-tech surveillance technology in the future.

The report called for the state’s privacy act to be expanded to make it mandatory to inform employees of when and how they are being surveilled.

New laws should restrict what data employees can collect, including physical and behavioural tracking – known as biometrics – unless absolutely necessary.

Rules should also apply to third-party companies including those brought into monitor.

However, the report stopped short when it came it to recommendations on putting protections in place when it came to monitoring employee’ public social media accounts and activities outside of work hours.

The Parliament inquiry into workplace surveillance in Victoria found that staff in workplaces across the state are increasingly subjected to “covert surveillance”. Picture: Supplied

Committee chair Alison Marchant said there were “legitimate” reasons for workplaces to monitor staff but that in cases where it was “excessive”.

“In a short space of time, surveillance has advanced beyond camera footage

and the recording of telephone calls to incorporate keylogging, wearable trackers,

biometrics, neurotechnology and artificial intelligence.

“Over this time, our privacy and surveillance laws have not kept pace in Victoria.

“It became clear throughout the Inquiry that many Victorian workers are unaware of

the extent of surveillance in their workplace and how their employers are handling and

storing data collected through workplace surveillance.

“Existing Victorian and federal legislation provide minimal protection of workers’ privacy, and the lack of safeguards were highlighted by experts and workers.”

Shadow Minister for Child Protection and member of the committee Roma Britnell said the majority report from the Legislative Assembly’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee will create excessive red tape, stifle workplace flexibility, and make it harder for businesses to protect their staff and assets.

“The Committee did not uncover widespread misconduct by Victorian employers,” Ms Britnell said.

“The case for sweeping legislative change simply isn’t there.”

Originally published as Crackdown needed on employers watching, filming and monitoring staff at work, experts warn