Skip to main content

HSE must combat creeping use of AI to spy on employees, MPs told

THE austerity-hit Health & Safety Executive (HSE) must be empowered to combat the creeping use of artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor staff in the workplace, MPs were told today.

Creating a clearer and simpler definition of “worker” would also help unions to protect people across the economy, said Dr Matthew Cole from the Fairwork Project, which promotes better working practices for app-based employees.

The PhD researcher was addressing an evidence session called by the cross-party digital, culture, media & sport committee, which is investigating the growing spread of Alexa, Siri, wearable Fitbits and other smart technology in homes, offices and factories nationwide.  

He said: “I think we should observe and monitor AI system deployment and continue to update data protection regulations.”

Dr Cole backed calls from Usdaw and other unions for the “empowerment of labour inspectorates which need to play a greater role in the regulation of AI systems.”

He noted that the HSE, a government agency, has seen its real-terms funding slashed by 50 per cent during 12 years of Tory cutbacks. 

Additionally, the Status of Workers Bill, now passing through Parliament, would “clarify some of the ambiguities” in employment law which mean those classed as self-employed contractors miss out on benefits given to employees, the academic said. 

The legislation was introduced by Lord John Hendy KC, chairman of the Institute of Employment Rights. 

Today’s session also examined reports that US-owned tech giant Amazon is using navigation software, scanners, smart devices and thermal cameras to automatically “terminate” employees based on “time off-task” and create heat maps to track pro-union staff.

The University of Sheffield’s Dr Efpraxia Zamani warned the powerful company “probably collects data from everything and anything.”

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 13,288
We need:£ 4,712
3 Days remaining
Donate today