A PwC facial recognition tool designed to monitor financial sector employees working from home prompted accusations of undue "intrusiveness".

Aimed at assisting financial institutions in adhering to strict compliance regulations typically enforced in office environments, where traders are closely monitored, the technology uses employees' webcams to log their absences from computer screens, requiring them to provide written explanations for any time spent away, including bathroom breaks.

Critics argued that this level of surveillance constitutes a severe invasion of privacy, and expressed concerns that such monitoring could damage trust, negatively impact employee morale, and increase stress and anxiety among workers. 

In response, PwC said the tool is a necessary adaptation to the increased risks of market abuse associated with remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company also argued it is intended to be as non-intrusive as possible and can be tailored to the specific needs of banks and individual employees.