What is Spyware or Spying Software?
What is Spyware?
The word ‘spyware’ was first used in 1995, in a Usenet post. Spyware is a term used for any malicious software that is designed to ‘’spy’’ on someone’s personal data or network. They run in the background, access and collect sensitive data without the knowledge or consent of the owner.
What is Sensitive Data?
Sensitive data covers a wide range of information, such as personal life details, bank or credit account information, health or medical insurance details, passwords, personal e-mails, chat content and so on. According to lawyers’ statements, sensitive data is such that the incorrect usage of it might violate human rights and personal privacy.
«Sensitive Personal Data means information or an opinion about: racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, membership of a political association, religious beliefs or affiliations, philosophical beliefs, membership of a professional or trade association, membership of a trade union, sexual orientation or practices, criminal record that is also personal information, health information about an individual, genetic information about an individual that is not otherwise health information, biometric information that is to be used for the purpose of automated biometric identification or verification, or biometric templates. » (By Kate Lucente and John Townsend in ‘Data Protection Laws of the World’, May 2015).
Spy Software Features
Any feature, monitoring content or keystrokes, can be considered a Spy Software Feature because it might uncover sensitive personal information, which might infringe on personal privacy. Here are the examples of spy features:
-Screen Content Monitoring
-Keystrokes Logging
-Email Content Monitoring
-Chat Content Monitoring
-Social Network Content Monitoring
-Website Passwords and User Names Monitoring
-Documents & Files Content Monitoring
-Print Content Monitoring
Professional Lawyers’ Advice
Local legislation varies, but in general professional lawyers advise that sensitive data may not be used or monitored without a person’s consent; its usage without permission might violate and infringe on personal privacy by disclosing personal information. Also, they suggest remembering the business rationale and goals, when implementing monitoring software.
More Information per Country
For more information about it please refer to Info Centre – Legal Aspects, where you can find more information for:
Argentina
Australia
China
European Union
Indonesia
United Arab Emirates
USA
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Disclaimer:
This article provides general information only. This information is for general understanding only and not to be used as legal advice. To receive professional legal advice, please consult your lawyer.
By WorkTime – Respectful Employee Performance Monitoring Software –www.worktime.com
