New Device Tracks All Human Interactions

A new device developed by Hitachi will give employers the ability to virtually track employees every move. The wearable badge is marketed to enhance efficiency, but is capable of doing far more.

According to Bob Greene:

"The device looks like an employee ID badge that most companies issue. Workers are instructed to wear it in the office.

Embedded inside each badge, according to Hitachi, are "infrared sensors, an accelerometer, a microphone sensor and a wireless communication device."

Hitachi says that the badges record and transmit to management "who talks to whom, how often, where and how energetically." It tracks everything.

If you get up to walk around the office a lot, the badge sends information to management about how often you do it, and where you go.

If you stop to talk with people throughout the day, the badge transmits who you're talking to (by reading your co-workers' badges), and for how long.

Do you contribute at meetings, or just sit there? Either way, the badge tells your bosses."

If anyone isn't comfortable being micromanaged this device sounds like a nightmare.  And for any employer concerned about maintaining talent they should probably forget about implementing such a device.

Perhaps employers should practice the golden rule and "treat others how they want to be treated" instead of focusing on making the workplace more like a prison. If a company fosters the right culture and treats their employees fairly most folks will go out of their way to do an excellent job.

What Else Could The Device Be Used For?

For anyone even mildly concerned about privacy or security this has to throw up a red flag. How easily could a malicious individual or organization track a private citizen and what safeguards are in place to prevent such a device from being utilized to commit fraud?