Neurotechnology is becoming widespread in workplaces – and our brain data needs to be protected

As remote work became standard around the world during the COVID pandemic, employee surveillance rapidly intensified. Companies started deploying software to electronically monitor their employees’ web browsing history, emails and webcams – all in the name of ensuring continued productivity.

While the worst of the pandemic is behind us, the intense digital surveillance of workers continues. And it is set to increase even more with the growing popularity of brain-monitoring neurotechnology which is already used in mining, finance and other industries.

This technology is capable of measuring brain waves and making inferences about a person’s mental state, such as whether they are tired or unfocused. The United Kingdom’s Information Commissioner’s Office predicts it will be common in workplaces by the end of the decade. By then, the market for neurotechnology devices is expected to be worth more than US$24 billion.