bossware

Definitions

Software installed on employees' computers for the purpose of allowing a manager to track their working time and activity.

informal, uncountable

Examples

“Our organisation sent us laptops to work⟳ from home, but it has some very intrusive bossware installed on it.”

“While aimed at helping employers, bossware puts workers’ privacy and security at risk⟳ by logging every click and keystroke, covertly gathering information for lawsuits, and using other spying features that go far beyond what is necessary and proportionate to manage⟳ a workforce.”

“Amid the rise⟳ of “bossware” or “tattleware” – essentially spyware that enables managers to monitor⟳ their employees working from home – is a new program⟳ called Sneek, which uses your webcam to take⟳ a photo of you about once a minute and makes it available to your supervisor, to prove⟳ that you are not away from your desk doing God knows what.”

CEFR level