Current Events — HabitableZone

Current Events » in reply to Microsoft "spy" software patent.

Not the first, possibly not the worst
Robert — (archived)

A few weeks ago while I was trolling online listings for projects, I came across one from an international body shop (purveyors of fine humans for the discriminating employer) wanting to sign up more contractors on a work-from-home basis. Turned out that in order to be a contractor for this body shop, you had to have a webcam and install their software on your computer. Their software:

--Periodically (and randomly) captures a still from the Webcam and sends it back to the job shop, where they're assembled into movies that they and the client can watch to see how much time you actually spend at your computer (and presumably whether you bother to get dressed and whether you pick your nose).

--Periodically captures a picture of your desktop, so they can see all the software you're using and look at open windows.

--Also allows the job shop or client to remotely log into your computer using the remote desktop feature, without notifying you, so they can poke around.

--Monitors keystrokes and sends back statistics, to see whether you're working hard enough.

All it lacks is Microsoft's physiological sensor technology to turn you into a total slave. The scary thing is that this body shop appeared to be thriving, and claimed to have enslaved thousands of geeks around the world. It had even had testimonials from happy slaves endorsing the wondrousness of working that way.

Perhaps Microsoft can refine slavery 21st Century style, but it didn't invent it. (Which, come to think of it, is Microsoft's standard MO.)

Log in or register to post.

The whole thread (77 posts)