Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.30925/zpfsr.46.3.1
Mitigating Digital Panopticism in the Workplace by Integrating Human Rights Due Diligence and Privacy by Design Framework
Andrijana Bilić
; University of Split, Faculty of Law
Abstract
The rise of digital surveillance technologies in the workplace has transformed labour practice, but has also raised concerns about employee privacy, autonomy and ethical issues, often resulting in what is termed “digital panopticism.” Therefore, in this article the possibilities of the existing legal framework and privacy design-based approach to tackle the challenges of privacy protection
in the workplace were explored. After identifying several shortcomings of legislative approaches, business practices and the demands of workers and their representatives - factors which impede a proper balance between managerial prerogatives and employee privacy protection - the potential of Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) to address these issues was examined. After identifying several shortcomings of HRDD framework it is furthermore argued that a holistic approach, integrating both HRDD and Privacy by Design (PbD) frameworks, can create a comprehensive privacy protection system. Such an approach mitigates the adverse effects of surveillance while prioritizing employee rights, thereby fostering a healthier work environment that enhances
mutual trust, respect for human rights, and organizational productivity.
Keywords
panopticon surveillance; employee privacy protection; privacy by design; human rights due diligence; Croatian privacy protection legal framework.
Hrčak ID:
340979
URI
Publication date:
15.12.2025.
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