“Return to workplace,” “contact tracing,” “health passports,” and “temperature checks” are just some of the categories of new technologies. 

These apps, especially return-to-workplace and contact-tracing tools, may be mandated by the employer. These apps often come loaded with privacy and civil liberty issues that can be difficult for a worker to untangle. Oftentimes these apps include a subset of features in addition to the main ones. It’s best to read about the app and speak to someone in customer service so they can send you more details.

To fight the global pandemic, many governments responding to it have given unprecedented special and increased powers to corporations. All of this can be bad for worker privacy and safety. It is important to learn more and stay educated on the science and employment law.

While remote work may carry with it increased monitoring of work devices, there is a saving grace: when at home you have a “safe space” where you control more of the conditions.

• Read COVID-19 app considerations and the research behind it by groups like Public Citizen and Ada Lovelace Institute.
• Understand the issues surrounding return-to-work apps.
• App developer checklist can help you rank the app your employer uses.
• Find out how the app complies with the United State’s Health Insurance and Portability Accountability Act (“HIPAA”), the US state of California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and the European Union’s Global Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 
• Consider opting out of working from the office if you are an organizer.
• Check the privacy policy of return-to-workplace apps and speak to legal and IT about civil liberty and privacy concerns.
• If you opt to use apps, consider installing them on a work device, not a personal device.