Use of AI and Employee Surveillance Tools Facing Scrutiny

California is rapidly moving to regulate workplace use of AI and surveillance tools. Pending bills would require written notice before deploying monitoring technology, ban invasive systems like facial or emotion recognition, and prohibit surveillance in private spaces such as bathrooms and break rooms.

Employers may also need to maintain and disclose an inventory of automated tools to the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). The proposed “No Robo Bosses Act,” Senate Bill (SB) 7 mandates human oversight of automated hiring, firing, or promotion decisions. Finally, new Civil Rights Council regulations, effective October 1, 2025, require bias testing, record keeping, and anti-discrimination safeguards.