Apple says it prohibits video monitoring of home workers

Yes, I am still at my desk!

Just when (let’s be honest) Apple really didn’t need it a brand-new privacy fail has emerged in Cupertino’s universe: This time video surveillance of workers at a call center provider involved in Apple Support.

Smile, you’re home working on camera

A firm called Telepresence is putting obtrusive video surveillance systems in the homes of remote workers, a report claims.

Telepresence runs call centers in various parts of the world. Among other clients it handles elements of Apple’s support work. The report suggests people working on the Apple account are impacted by this, which Apple doesn’t agree to.

The video cameras watch home-based employees to ensure they continue to work hard. That’s just in case the typically low wages and horribly autocratic management practises most call center workers worldwide endure aren’t enough to motivate them. Though it is possible Telepresence is a better employer than that. It is ‘amusing’ to note that the call center industry is often situated in nations where union activity is low, but I digress.

Also read: Apple’s Chinese supply chain workers want better jobs, maybe

The Guardian notes the software scans for breaches of rules, requires workers to log breaks and monitors what people do so if they don’t click their mouse xyz times an hour they get a warning. The agreement they are being asked to sign also requires their families be watched.

The Apple connection

So, Telepresence has been forcing people to sign contracts that allow the company to monitor them – and their families – or lose their job.

People really aren’t impressed.

Particularly home-based workers working from their bedrooms who’d rather like to enjoy their domestic existences without the presence of Telepresence. Telepresence says it is all about the employee experience and that these restrictions are being applied because clients request it.

Apple responds

Apple PR Nick Leahy, said Apple:

“Prohibits the use of video or photographic monitoring by our suppliers and have confirmed Teleperformance does not use video monitoring for any of their teams working with Apple.”

He continued, “We investigate all claims and will continue to ensure everyone across our supply chain is treated with dignity and respect.”

Perhaps Apple needs to go at this a little more strongly.

I think it must recognize the need for a bill of rights for home workers across its supply chain. Within this, I suggest it insists outsourced home workers are managed with a set of goals and metrics they must meet, rather than autocratic practises based around surveillance tech. It could also implement a true remote working policy of its own, for that matter.

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