Amazon’s new surveillance system could be able to monitor if the staff is wearing masks and social distancing or not. It could also control if other workplace rules are followed as well as monitor the public, such as seeing the number of customers waiting in a store.

However, this might breach privacy rules. Indeed, this new system from Amazon involves tracking people and products in traditional workplaces, and not just when working from home.

The software only requires retrofitting a box to existing security cameras, which can draw on off-the-shelf AI apps. The AWS Panorama appliance would be connected to internet protocol (IP) cameras, which are used by many companies. With it, it can thus automate inspection tasks, including detecting manufacturing defects or tracking the movement of barcodes and labels. But also, people.

In the workplace, this same tech could be used to monitor employees and notify people if the situation is unsafe or some issues arise so pre-emptive action can be taken. It could be mean a major step forwards for some businesses however the notion of employees’ privacy must not be forgotten.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) published a report about the use of AI-powered tools by employers. Although they are aware it could revolutionize work, they warn that it shouldn’t cover up workers’ needs and invade their privacy.

Automated monitoring of workplaces rarely benefits employees and this new system by Amazon could bring another concern for many workers.

Indeed, Amazon has already been confronted over how its warehouse employees are monitored. In September, a report from a US research group said that Amazon even used extensive surveillance to limit activities from the union and some employees have accused the company to treat them “like robots”.