Numerous Firms Adopting Surveillance Software for Remote Worker Monitoring | Sunday Business Report

# The Bossware Buzz: Big Brother Is Working from Home Too

What’s the Deal with Bossware?

Hey, New Yorkers! Ever heard of *Bossware*? It’s the latest tech trend, and it’s got everyone talking. HR experts are saying this thing takes micromanagement to the next level. Employers are getting really creative with how they keep tabs on us while we’re working remotely.

So, what’s happening? Nearly 80% of companies with remote staff are now using some form of Bossware. Yeah, you heard that right. Rob Wilson, a big shot at Employco USA and a regular on the Sunday Business Page with Jon Delano, dropped this bombshell. He mentioned that this trend is catching on like wildfire, creating privacy concerns left, right, and center.

Monitoring so Creative it’s Almost Sci-Fi

Let me tell you, the monitoring tech is wild. Imagine sitting on a pillow that’s tracking your weight. According to Wilson, some companies are using a lightweight pillow to track if you’re at your desk. Couple that with the camera on your laptop or PC, and boom! Your boss knows if you’ve stepped away to grab coffee or take a break.

Other surveillance tactics are no less inventive, either. From keystroke logging to continuous screen capturing, it’s like something straight out of a near-future dystopian novel.

The Legal Lowdown

Now, don’t get your knickers in a twist just yet. Believe it or not, this is totally legal in the United States. As Wilson puts it, this is all happening during your work hours. It’s not unlike having “Find My Phone” on a company cellphone or GPS in a company car. But Congress might just step in.

In 2023, federal legislation called the [Stop Spying Bosses Act](https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/262) was proposed. Sponsored by Pennsylvania’s own Senator Bob Casey, this bill would require employers to disclose if they’re monitoring employees. You gotta admit, that’s a pretty big deal.

How Are They Getting Away with This?

Wilson breaks it down: For now, this monitoring happens strictly during business hours. But given the rise of these practices, lawmakers might need to put some boundaries in place. So far, no concrete steps have been taken, but hey, the conversation is heating up.

Are there privacy implications? Hell, yeah. Imagine the kind of data these companies are amassing about their employees. It’s a slippery slope, and someone’s gotta pump the brakes sooner or later.

Related News from the Tech World

For those of you interested in the nitty-gritty, check out this [Sunday Business Page video](https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/video/bossware-is-latest-tech-to-track-employees-working-from-home-sunday-business-page/). Jon Delano has you covered with all the details. And if you’re craving more news like this, dive into CBS News for stories that keep you in the loop.

Who’s Talking About It?

This article comes courtesy of [Heather Lang](https://www.cbsnews.com/team/heather-lang/). And folks, never forget the familiar face behind it all: [Jon Delano](https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/search/author/jon-delano/). KDKA’s political and business guru since ’94. Jon has a knack for breaking down complicated political and economic issues that affect us right here in NYC.

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Additional Resources:

– For a broader look at Bossware and its implications, read this [report](https://employco.com/articles/bossware-impact-2023) from Employco USA.
– Curious about workplace monitoring laws? Check out the [Official Guide](https://www.dol.gov/general/audience/aud-workers).

So, folks, what’s your take on all of this? Ready to embrace the Bossware future, or is this a privacy invasion gone too far?