Calls to strengthen workplace privacy in Australia as employers turn to AI to track staff

Employers are expanding the use of surveillance technology—from CCTV to AI-driven tracking—to monitor workers in industries like retail, delivery, and office jobs, often without informing staff. The Human Technology Institute highlights cases where cameras enforce phone bans in fast-food restaurants and AI systems flag minor errors, such as a cashier’s occasional scanning mistake. Critics warn this trend, fueled by artificial intelligence, raises concerns about workplace privacy and employee oversight. The shift reflects a growing reliance on digital tools to oversee productivity and behavior in real time.

Monitoring tools common in a range of workplaces, including factories, office jobs, delivery work and in retail – often without employees being informedGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastEmployers are increasingly using technology, from CCTV to keystroke monitoring, to track workers’ moves and it is being accelerated by the use of AI, the Human Technology Institute has warned.Examples provided to Guardian Australia by the institute include a fast-food restaurant using surveillance cameras to stop workers using their phones, and AI tracking leading to a cashier warned over making a mistake once every 533 scans. Continue reading...