Is it spying?

Question

The place where i work (in an office) has just had security cameras fitted everywhere. 3 people have passwords to access the CTV on there computers. One of my workmates told me that one of the cameras that is facing my office (i sit in at the window) can zoom in on me and see exactley what i'm doing. Now i feel really uncomfortable cos i never know if i am being watched or not. Even though i'm not doing anything wrong i feel awkward and i am always consious of what im doing. I'm really paranoid aswell i feel like one of them could be sat there just watching me and laughing at me. One of the managers is a bit of a perv aswell so that makes me feel even worse. Nobody else has the camera directly at them and they cant be seen all the time. I know it sounds silly but aint it spying. i am sat at my desk all day in the same spot. Are they alllowed t do this?

I was not informed beforehand that these cameras would be fitted and have not signed anthing to say that i agree to being filmed.

Also i cant move my desk as there is no other space for it.

Answer 1

Legal or not it is deplorable. When I was a little girl at the cinema we would see films that were set in th `future`, where things happened exactly as you have said. We used to laugh at the films, goodness me, no one would ever dare to really do that sort of thing would they? They would and they have and this is not life as we know it or want it. Right now, I can`t tell you how sad I am feeling, about what is happening to you, I am not an emotional person who feels deeply, but this has up-set me, to think that man has come to treat his fellow men like this. I am so sorry for all of you who work there. Working life must be quite unpleasant for everyone there, but you seem to be the worst placed. Do try to speak to someone in authority there that you trust, about this. You may think that I sound naive, being so shocked at this, well perhaps I am. It is many years since I worked in a public place, I work mainly from home or in a small office in the university, my work is such. that it must be done alone; also I live in `the wilds` no where near other working places, so I have not know of this happening before.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

A business can install ctv cameras as a matter of security, however if your work is being compromised or you feel violated you have the right to file a complaint. You should note that the business practice will defend it;s decision. If you could prove that the cameras are being used to "spy" on you specifically then you have a legitimate case if you do not then ask if you can move your desk that way it will ensure that your desk is not blocking the camera's scope. I hope that helps, good luck.

Answer 4

I am not sure if the person told you the correct information, even if this was the truth, as you said you are not doing any thing wrong, and if they are watching you they will get pretty bored watching you do your work, if at all possible ignore what is going on in the office and just concentrate on your work, that is the reason for you being there and leave the drama to the others

Answer 5

An organization is not permitted by law to do anything that intimidates or makes an employee uncomfortable and i would put this down to corporate bullying.
Speak to your manager about this situation, if he says that the camera is covering the window then ask for a move of desk, if this is refused then ask for an interview with HR or personnel and explain how you feel.
I personally would not let this happen and would move the camera, while you are in work you are entitled to feel safe and secure and this situation is not conducive to these feelings.

Answer 6

I watch CTV (Canadian Television) all the time.

Perhaps u shud be more concerned abt the cameras that u don't know about.

My friend told me of a woman who sued for 5 million dollars because of this. They reached a $250000 settlement outside the court. The woman only made $200000 from this since the other $50000 was used to cover her lawyer's fees.

Answer 7

The company is spying on you (the actual camera operator may not be spying on you BUT the principal of it is that they could choose to do so). They legally can do this. The system is designed to benefit companies rather than workers.

“The country was founded on the principle that the primary role of government is to protect property from the majority, and so it remains.” - Avram Noam Chomsky

I suppose you could get your company to put of a net curtain or a slatted blind to stop vision through the window but allow you to work in natural light. It seems sad to lose your view but at least you regain your privacy and more importantly your peace of mind.

Answer 8

Its not spying EXACTLY... since therer is a window there they can always say it is security. The best thing for you to do is talk to your managers and explain to them that you feel uncomfortable and would like to be placed somewhere else.

Answer 9

Yes it is in my opinion. You should speak to your manager or your manager's manager about this and how uncomfortable it makes you. It's is especially odd that you're the only one with a camera directed at you. Don't just sit there and be uncomfortable. Speak your mind bravely and tactfully.

Answer 10

i understand.where i work there's cameras everywhere.in the warehouse and in the carpark. i don't like it either coz i know for a fact that they'll sometimes sit up there and watch us but it's really more for safety reasons and to make sure no one steals anything.where i work has been robbed before. i can see why you are uncomfortable but as uncomfortable as you are you'll just have to live with it.