OK, didn’t we all just know this was coming, whether you’ve read Orwell’s 1984 or not?

Microsoft Seeks Patent for Office Spy Software

Microsoft is developing Big Brother-style software capable of remotely monitoring a worker’s productivity, physical wellbeing and competence.

The Times has seen a patent application filed by the company for a computer system that links workers to their computers via wireless sensors that measure their metabolism. The system would allow managers to monitor employees’ performance by measuring their heart rate, body temperature, movement, facial expression and blood pressure. Unions said they fear that employees could be dismissed on the basis of a computer’s assessment of their physiological state.

Just in time for the new slave labor class of people (that’s you and me and anyone else who is at the bottom of the employee food chain). This control-freak patent could be issued to Microsfot in a year.

Microsoft last night refused to comment on the application, but said: “We have over 7,000 patents worldwide and we are proud of the quality of these patents and the innovations they represent. As a general practice, we do not typically comment on pending patent applications because claims made in the application may be modified through the approval process.”

Yeah, modified like in a VeriChip or something.

Am I the only person who finds this not only creepy, but an absolute outrage? What is happening to our liberty in this country?

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