Microsoft seeks patent for office 'spy' software

Microsoft seeks patent for office 'spy' software

technology.timesonline.co.uk

Microsoft is developing Big Brother-style software capable of remotely monitoring a worker’s productivity, physical wellbeing and competence.

The Times has seen a patent application 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 employees’ performance by measuring their heart rate, body temperature, movement, facial expression and blood pressure. Unions said they fear that employees could be dismissed on the basis of a computer’s assessment of their physiological state.

Technology allowing constant monitoring of workers was previously limited to pilots, firefighters and Nasa astronauts. This is believed to be the first time a company has proposed developing such software for mainstream workplaces.

(visit the link for the full news article)

Jeez, why not just turn us into robots already? :shk:

1984. Here we go.

technology.timesonline.co.uk
(visit the link for the full news article)

ah man, if I knew they had that on my machine at work, I would just make crazy faces all day, and then I would go on sugar binges, followed by valium, just to make the stats go crazy (or myself, or both).

seriously, this is the type of thing I would have immense amounts of fun with. And just like all Microsoft problems, I mean programs, it would probably take a total of 15 minutes to decompile and poke around the code.

Ironically, Microsoft code is not all that great compared to open source. It's a step above some of the coding done in the military though, that's for damn sure (perhaps excluding small shops run exclusively by civilian contractors).

I wouldn't be too worried about this just yet, it's a novelty program at best, like the keychain lie detectors. It does represent a bigger problem though, your employers willingness to invade your privacy to obtain maximum efficiency, at all costs.

In that event, it would be the employer at blame, not the software.

p.s. sort of on-topic, does anyone remember BackOrifice, or Sub7? they were underground programs that could remotely turn on webcams, and control the mouse / keyboard without the person knowing (or letting them know blatantly). This was about 8 years ago, and the technology has been around since way before that. The intent to do these things predates computers, so we're basically screwed on all angles.

i remember BackOrifice i had a friend who used it to great effect many times i use to love watching him screw with people lol. back on topic its a good thing i dont work but i seriously see no real good use of this tech , all i see is more control and less freedom .

"johnson my sensor went off again where you looking at porn ?"

I can just see it now: rows and rows of office desks, each outfitted with harnesses/helmets the workers must wear. Got to go to the bathroom? Hey, no prob. As long as you put the harness on in the bathroom too. Lord forbid you think something unacceptable while your taking a pee.

The drive home is no better. The new regulations require you to wear one in the car too. And just when you thought you were free when you get home you must wear one too. Sex with your wife? "Sorry honey, the helmet is in the way."

I mean hell, where does this end?

reply to post by TrueAmerican


Dont forget about the screens above the work stations that output words like "obey" "loyalty" "comply" etc.

"Intersting" idea for software, but i dont think the average worker is going to take to kindly to this.

(not only do i remember sub7 (my personal fave out of the remote control trojans) but I also remember the first one, the dreaded NETBUS)