Big Brother device monitors workers' activity

Workplace drug testing and RFID chip implants were bad enough, but now a new device threatens to nibble away at workers' right to privacy even more.

American companies are using this little gadget - known as DirectLife - to monitor workers' physical activity 24/7 to make sure they meet "performance benchmarks." The device is about the size of a postage stamp and must be worn at all times.

Right now, it's voluntary - but I don't expect that to last. Only the very naive would doubt that it'll soon be mandatory.

It'll be mandatory, that is, unless we pass a law to bar companies from making it mandatory. At last count, however, very few American jurisdictions even outlawed forced RFID chipping, so who truly expects our government representatives to rein in our corporate overlords?

If companies are worried that employees aren't getting enough exercise, maybe they should shorten the work week so folks would have more time for recreation.

Soon, the privacy violations may heighten further: A skin patch to detect what we eat is now in the works.

(Source: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article6896175.ece)