NSPE has joined with several other organizations to protest the proposed use of tracking software on the computers of government contract employees, including those at engineering firms.
A draft bill introduced in several state legislatures would require government contractors to install “verification software” on their computers. The software logs a user’s every keystroke, and takes a screen shot every three minutes. All of the information gathered must be stored for up to seven years, and government agencies must have unlimited access to the data.
Supporters are promoting the bill as a way of reducing fraudulent charges by allowing government agencies to verify contract hours worked, but it poses grave threats to personal privacy and security.
A joint statement opposing the legislation was released in conjunction with an article that provides details about the software’s privacy and security concerns. Other organizations joining in the statement include the American Council of Engineering Companies, the Associated General Contractors of America, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Information Technology Industry Council.
NSPE has been in communication with its partner societies in states where the legislation is moving, and has sent action alerts to members in those states. The Society will continue to monitor all the bills and will mount opposition when and where it is needed.
Go to the NSPE Action Center to see if your state is one where this bill has traction.