Thread: Microsoft seeks patent for office 'spy' software

Microsoft seeks patent for office 'spy' software

Alexi Mostrous and David Brown

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.

Microsoft submitted a patent application in the US for a “unique monitoring systemâ€

Leave your Thoughts

Clear and Simple: I work in IT and the second that any company implements this system, or any other like it, will be my last day at that company.

People need to stand up to this unprecedented violation of privacy, the fact that you work for a company does not give them the right to implement this level of intrusion into your personal life and being.

If no one accepts this crap then no company with this system will be able to maintain a viable staff. Period. People need to stop acting like mindless moths and recognize their importance as an individual.


Victor, Raleigh, NC

how bout instead they just invent an OS that isn't crap ?
Vista... the food equivalant of the McRib.


JT , Henderson,

I'm not an attorney, but it would appear that this type of intrusion might violate medical privacy laws - after all, the information they propose to gather is personal medical data.

If it doesn't violate current laws, Congress can be pressed to amend them and kill this egregious technology, hopefully after MS has spent a fortune in R&D.

Meanwhile, I will cease and desist from using MS products (as a longtime Apple user, I've already switched to iWork and dumped Office - I feel better already).

Magnus Pym, Little Rock,

Jay from Chicago your capitalistic shallow speak is very concerning - and a true example that you are a programmed "cog in a wheel" that is a part of broke rigged system that currently and in a pervasive way benefits the very few-polarization is on the rise-and this is just another example of Orwellian control tactics from faceless transnational corporations. Churchill would not be pleased if he were alive today.

Ryan, Chicago,


If this technology was used in vehicles to monitor state of driver to enable safer driving and save lives, it could be rather useful.
Lyndsay Williams, Girton Labs, Cambridge

Lyndsay Williams, Cambridge, UK

watch "office space"


jnich, titlessville, fl

Won't be long now until we have urine sensor in the toilets, the land of the Free is part of our history.

Jim, Anchorage, Alaska

I have always hated Microsoft and this little piece of news should encourage others to do so as well. I made a new year's resolution to use only opensource products and so far this is working just fine. Just say "NO!" to Microsoft.

PragueBob, Prague, Czech Republic

Since this was invented by Microsoft, I'm sure it has an "Innovation Alarm" which sets off a bell and a flashing light if the employee actually has a new idea...so managers can hurry over and stamp it out before it infects their products.

OP Dave, Overland Park, USA/KS

Don't worry, there is always a way to disable or interrupt such things.

Bubba, Atlanta, GA,

Maybe it comes with an "auto-promote" feature, where the computer finds out that your boss is less competent than you are.

David M, Chattanooga, TN

Corporations are NOT democracies. Democracies bestow freedom as a right. Corporations bestow freedom based on what you have to offer, the value of your productivity. If you don't like this, either start your own corporation or become a socialist and let the government take care of you. CHURCHILL said: "The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries." Understand this very well!!


Jay, Chicago, IL

Luckly in America people have the freedom to work here or not. Some may freely chose to work in this environment and may even enjoy it. I hwever would never work for microsoft.

tom, dc, usa

As I read the article, that scene in the movie Apollo 13 came to mind where Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks) rips off his biomedical monitoring sensors and then the other two astronauts shortly follow suit.

The flight surgeon goes ballistic and the flight director Gene Kranz says "relax Doc - it's just a little medical mutiny - I'm sure they're fine"

The point is - at what point do people THEMSELVES say ENOUGH !?

Companies will force this kind of stuff on you as long as you take it. At some point you have to stand up and say "take your sensors and shove them where the sun don't shine"

JB, Dayton, OH USA

"If some employer wanted to do this to me I'd quit."

Exactly, and this is the correct response. If you don't like this then quit, and then employees would not use this kind of software. However, there are uses for it, not all of which would invade anyone's privacy. This article, and people's response to it, is an over-reaction to this type of technology. There are all kinds of uses for this, not the least of which is just the computer being able to help someone out who is having a hard time understanding the software. Whether it's wired to "the boss" is the employer and employees option. This technology has other, good uses.


Spence, Kalamazoo,

I'd like to know which clients of Microsoft asked Microsoft to develop this technology and how they plan to use it.

Jeff, Broad Brook, CT

I'm sure that the Orwellian British government is salivating at the chance to add this new technology to their arsenal.

Anthony, Charleston, WV, USA

As a person with a generalized anxiety disorder, I am hoping for a motion. This seems to be a physiological replacement for the old trick of walking around with a clipboard to look busy. Perhaps an employee simple needs to have an exciting video running in small window to up his heart rate and eye movements. Gee will this "wireless" transmitter be a subcutaneous chip? Say, you want to work here, so get a drug test and have this chip inserted. It will tell us when you arrive, when you go to the bathroom, when you go for breaks, where you are at any moment, and the general state of your physiology. Added to our hidden cameras and microphones, at least we keep a lid on office gossip! You will used to it . . ."

iRobot

Mark Reither, Fresno, CA, USA

So if you're in a bad mood, you should sit there with a stupid grin just because the computer may pick up on it? No, I guess one would need an intelligent grin... And what, the computer is now going to say things like "you're too fat", "stop smoking" "where were you last night"....but that would be a good idea for a sitcom though.... and indeed some diversion from concentrating on the actual work to do....would also be curious to know how any employer can justify having so little trust in their lawfully recruited staff?

elise, oxford,

They say better technology, all i see is regression.

m., laughalon, sd

Gosh, maybe soon employers will want to check urine too!!

Tom, Aurora, CO

I can't believe someone is impressed with the UnaBomber's IQ: he wasn't smart enough to stay out of jail nor implicate himself with his idiotic letter to the press....

As to this technology, as has been said, 'people get the kind of government they deserve...' That also applies to one's workplace, health, and environment.

John Gault, Edgecomb, me

I would advise extreme caution and would not be on board with any brain or body mnitoring of any kind for any reason. Where does it end is my question. In my option, this is yet another example of push towards a socialist society and gradually eroding away our liberty and freedoms. I think this one's really bad because it involves big corporations leading the initiative.

Dave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Maybe they could tie this in with Onstar and call an ambulance if your computer detects a stroke.

Aaron, Bloomington, USA / IL

There should be a Flatulence meter in the cubicle so we all will know when and who let on go!!! Now that would be a useful innovation...

Bob Jones, Baltimore, MD

How much monitoring can people take until they just simply snap. With this much monitoring a person has to be vigilant 24/7 and never be able to let your guard down. I'd be like living in a facist state. If some employer wanted to do this to me I'd quit.

Adam, Baltimore, MD

Can't people be people anymore :s.. too much technology, this is totally invading peoples privacy!! If i wanted people to know i was frustrated or worked up id Flippin well tell um!!!

Jo

Jodie, Bolton, England

I hear Apple's counter-solution is to not only improve their software to the point of the complete elimination of work-related stress, but also to release an iMac which wirelessly stimulates the pleasure centres of the user's brain, resulting in dizzying waves of absolute euphoria. In the next release of iTunes, apple will include a facility for the online distribution of coffee, donuts and warm hugs.

Jack, Northampton, UK

Great ! Now I will have the proof to sue Microsoft for undue stress etc when my computer crashes yet again today or perhaps my employer when they ask too much.

The Dutch are going to love it, routine paid 'overspannen' time will replace the fag break.

It detects the junior doctor who has just compeleted 70 hours is too tired to perform an essential operation didn't we already know that ?

As an addition to motion sensing games it may be interesting. Perhaps people are focusing too much on the wrong application for this sort of technology.


Terry, Barnsley, England

Wow - what a load of utter tosh I'm reading in this thread. Some Microsoft researcher has done some research about integrating computers with biometrics and next thing you know Bill is King of the Borg. Forget the fact that it is simply standard practice in the industry to protect your science by use of the patent system.

Has it occurred to anyone that if Microsoft are granted a patent on this subject then they will also be able to keep the concept OFF the market. Or perhaps the technology can be used to provide a better experience for the ill or the handicapped?

Please, specially all you raving born-again lunatics on the left side of the pond, please, please, grow up.

Scot Richards, Beijing,

Will you get a free chain with the package so that you can attach the worker's ankle to the desk? No doubt some companies would insist on this to ensure that workers are continually monitored - for health and saftey reasons!!


Kevin Herbert, Greater Manchester, UK

This would not work in the Civil Service. Rather the IT departent would be inundated with false alarms of deceased operators given the sloth-like metabolic rates displayed by most of the shinybums.

Ian Harold Brown, Southampton, UK

There are those who would argue that Microsoft's definition of "acceptable productivity and competence" at least amongst its technical staff, is unthreatengingly low.

And, since it relies on an external peripheral connected by Bluetooth and a Windows driver, it can doubtless be readily hacked to make even Homer Simpson look like a hyperactive genius.

Ian Kemmish, Biggleswade, UK

I look forward to the day that an operating system replaces my brain.

Graeme Blundell, Sevenoaks,

First it will be the 'workplace', then the 'home' for 'health safety' reasons, with all data being transmitted 'in real time' to the State via 'service providers'...This next 'evolution' in physiological surveillance technology is the phase in the developing architecture of the Police State right before a formulation of Orwell's 'thoughtcrime' is explicitly made by their 'Ministry of Truth'....
Therefore, 2 +2 = whatever the State tell you it is

(the very fact that '"I" have to "register" to submit this message is itself proof that relentless 'registration' is now a 'normal' process affecting EVERY activity....

atreyunsu, Los Angeles, US

Computers are finally reaching the potential which was, from the beginning envisioned for them. Without them the total control of humanity would be near impossible, so the indoctrination of them and the dependence on them had to be insured by the, "it will make your work so much easier" propaganda to the adults, and "look at all the cool things you can do with them" with the kids. Very nicely done, to the ones who have brought this about.

David S, Seymour, Tn

Why not? The western world has turned into a shivering mass of spineless jellyfish... terrified that there's an evil Muslim behind every tree. The governments are grabbing more and more power over our daily lives as we stupidly stand by... ever eager to trade more of what we used to call "freedoms" for what the governments calls "security". Shame on us... shame on us.

Dutch, Cody, Wyoming

Maybe be this will help increase shareholder value??
.....before the next revolution, that is (if this kind of thing becomes commonplace it won't be long-unless, of course, the eductaion system dumbs us down enough so we no longer notice what's happening to society!!)

rob, Paris, France

Oh please, please approve this patent application so that I may finally retire rich after I sue the company for 2 X their market cap for gross negligence and multiple civil and criminal violations! Thanks Bill G.

Rickey , New Haven, CT

Euan Sharp: I trust you don't really need your PC to tell you when you're burning out...this makes you sound like a 'mere commodity' in the production line; when unit (with the ID Euan Sharp burns out, replace that unit with the ID of Davy Jones, etc..)

Ladies and Gents, here's one more reason to buy a mac...

Dan'l, Portland, US/Maine

My boss would never do this to me, I'm self-employed. But I'd never implement this software on my employees either, I respect them too much. Nor would I work for a company that tried to foist this on me.

G. Spotczski, Colorado Springs,

Dr. Theodore John "Ted" Kaczynski known as the Unabomber wrote
“industrial-technological system will inevitably lead to the end of human freedomâ€Â

[quote]Microsoft submitted a patent application in the US for a “unique monitoring systemâ€

Clear and Simple: I work in IT and the second that any company implements this system, or any other like it, will be my last day at that company.

Work monitoring programs have been in place in the private sector back in the 80's. The insurance company I worked for kept track of keystrokes and pauses in work. Those who did not meet "quotas" were replaced. I was asked to work on this "monitor" program and refused. I kept my job, but got shifted from the fast track to oblivion.

No one in their right mind would accept physical monitoring programs. Would they?