Microsoft is developing Big Brother-style software capable of monitoring workers' competence and productivity

UK Daily Mail
Wednesday January 16, 2008

Microsoft is developing Big Brother-style software capable of remotely monitoring a worker's productivity, competence and physical wellbeing, it was revealed today.

A patent application has been 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 their employees' performance by measuring their body temperature, heart rate, movement, facial expression and blood pressure.

But unions are concerned that employees could be sacked on the basis of the computer's assessment of their physiological state.

It is understood that this is the first time that a company has proposed to devlop this big-brother-style software for mainstream workplaces.

Similar monitoring technology has previously been limited to pilots, firefighters and Nasa astronauts.

Microsoft has submitted a patent application in the US for a "unique monitoring system" that could link workers to their computers.

The application states that wireless sensors could read heart rate, brain signals, respiration rate, body temperature movement, facial movements, facial expressions and blood pressure.

The system could also "automatically detect frustration or stress in the user" and "offer and provide assistance accordingly."

Full article here.