Big brother Microsoft

Microsoft are after a patent for spy software that will allow somebody (an employee) to be plugged into their computer and monitored.

The system would allow managers to monitor employees’ performance by measuring their heart rate, body temperature, movement, facial expression and blood pressure.

But it's OK because

The system could also “automatically detect frustration or stress in the user” and “offer and provide assistance accordingly”.

So your manager knows when you've downed that third cup of coffee, that you're still slightly hungover from last night, that you're not really paying attention to much, but it's OK as long as it can "provide assistance" when you're feeling a bit stressed out.

Somehow I can't see it telling you to take a break. I'm fairly sure managers would prefer workers to be a little stressed out than laid back and relaxed, regardless of whether it's productive in the long run.

Filed under paranoia, but then it's only paranoid if they're not watching you, right?