comment: >
  
  I work remotely in a state where your employer is legally required to pay for your internet connection for any work performed.  When I first started the job and requested a separate internet connection from our personal network, the IT director and my boss both said no.  Boss didn’t want me making waves by pushing for it and just kept coming up with solutions for improving the connection itself. The speeds weren’t the thing concerning me though- it was my employer freeloading off my internet connection and potentially leaving us vulnerable to whatever cyber intrusions the company itself may be dealing with at any given time.
  Considering that the company can and probably does monitor me, and on my personal internet connection no less, I welcome a bill like this.  But when it comes to the camera stuff, I just keep a post it on it when I’m not in a meeting.  
  I guess my only question is: if this bill passes and requires employers to start notifying employees of any such spying activities, how would you as the employee ever know the difference if they’re not following the new law?
context: As an IT worker of 24 years I can say that if you are using a work computer.....you betcha!! >
  
  It not just that too.  It's intrusive background checks, signing non-compete agreement, hyper micro management of time at work, etc.
  I worked it jobs that forced you to use your personal phone or give your social media account before >
  
  It’s wild. Some places I’ve worked did a fucking credit check. Like I work in IT for a living, not on Wall St. >
  
  Did you work for a financial institution or one that does something like make credit cards?  Because if so, those checks are there for a reason. >
  
  In the case of the place I was thinking of when I wrote this comment, no. It was a small business. I understand it when I worked in IT for a midsize insurance company (you know, being risk adverse and all), but not for some random ass retailer. >
  
  My friend was assaulted by a co-worker and the company was trying to desperately invent reasons to fire my friend. He told me that HR asked him to explain a troubling comment he made earlier. The thing was, the comment was made at his own house and was actually spoken by his friend well-past work hours. Also worth noting that he was note a remote employee. The company was surveilling him using the company laptop. I do not bring work technology home anymore. >
  
  That’s creepy so the microphone on the laptop was always listening waiting to flag words or something? I’ve definitely noticed phones do that before like if you say something enough times you’ll get ads for it. >
  
  I think it was just always on and a person just listened to whole conversations here and there, just looking for something. >
  
  Wow that’s very creepy, leave it to companies to try and find some way to justify firing an employee or find any way to prevent being legally culpable.
  What ended up happening in your friend’s situation? Do they still work for the company? Was the violent coworker held accountable in any way legally or professionally? >
  
  He got some payout from the company because of how he was railroaded. He is much better off now at a different job. >
  
  Glad to hear he’s at a better place. It’s always good to be away from a toxic company.