The Electronic Panopticon

This chapter explores the role of surveillance in virtual work. With the modern societal shift as well as the increased global market, working virtually is becoming more necessary and even a requirement at times. With the removal of physical interaction, questions of how to properly ensure productivity arise. This chapter suggests the panopticon, as developed by Bentham (1791) and expounded upon by Foucault (1977), is very influential in the surveillance of virtual activity. This chapter will ultimately explore theoretical underpinnings of the panopticon, work place surveillance, virtual surveillance in practice, ethical issues created by virtual surveillance, and consequences of virtual surveillance.