Monitoring takes many forms—tracking calls, messages and keystrokes, taking screenshots, webcam footage or audio recordings, or using specialist monitoring software. The ICO published research this week showing nearly one in five people believe they have been monitored by an employer.
However, 70% of people surveyed would find this intrusive and fewer than one in five would feel comfortable taking on a new job if they knew their employer would be monitoring them.
The guidance outlines how monitoring can be conducted lawfully and fairly, for example, there must be a clearly defined purpose, and includes good practice advice to help employers respect their workers’ rights to privacy.
ICO deputy commissioner Emily Keaney said monitoring ‘must be necessary, proportionate and respect the rights of workers. We will take action if we believe people’s privacy is being threatened’.
Read the guidance here.
