Bosses panic-buy spy software to keep tabs on remote workers

Re:Bosses panic-buy spy software to keep tabs on remote workers by w-m on Monday March 30, 2020 @12:59PM (#22729751)

Here's a FAQ for the situation in Germany: https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=https...

Can my boss monitor my work computer?

Permanent and comprehensive PC monitoring at the workplace based on a general suspicion is not permitted. The employer may only monitor the employee on the PC if there is sufficient concrete suspicion of improper use of the work computer.

What applies to private use of the work computer?

If private use of the work computer is expressly permitted to the employee, PC monitoring at the workplace is fundamentally excluded.

What if the boss monitors my PC even though he is not entitled to it?

If the employer does not adhere to the requirements for PC surveillance, he is punishable and in the worst case must be prepared for imprisonment.

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Re:Bosses panic-buy spy software to keep tabs on remote workers by gambiting on Monday March 30, 2020 @01:11PM (#22729892)

>>If private use of the work computer is expressly permitted to the employee, PC monitoring at the workplace is fundamentally excluded.

Cool. In most places that are not fancy IT companies where everyone is given a brand new MacBook Pro to use as a mixed work/personal machine, there is no such thing as "private use of the work computer". So given what you posted, there is no legal issue then.

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Re:Bosses panic-buy spy software to keep tabs on remote workers by Semaphor on Monday March 30, 2020 @01:47PM (#22730294)

So did you just skip half of what they posted?

> if there is sufficient concrete suspicion of improper use of the work computer

That is when there is no legal issue.

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Re:Bosses panic-buy spy software to keep tabs on remote workers by lima on Monday March 30, 2020 @01:36PM (#22730145)

How would a "mixed work/personal machine" not imply private use of the work computer?

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Re:Bosses panic-buy spy software to keep tabs on remote workers by gambiting on Monday March 30, 2020 @02:01PM (#22730443)

It would. I said most people aren't provided with those. You sit at your desk and are given a machine to do data entry/accounting/etc all day long, not for private use.

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Re:Bosses panic-buy spy software to keep tabs on remote workers by bmn__ on Monday March 30, 2020 @03:05PM (#22731151)

This does not reflect reality. The employer must acquiesce in the full-time employee conducting private matters, such as making physician's appointments or checking in with one's child after school, over company owned equipment (phone/computer).

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