California employers are entering a new era of regulatory oversight with the introduction of groundbreaking AI surveillance limits in the workplace. Under proposed laws like AB 1221 and AB 1331, California would become the first state to restrict AI‑powered employee monitoring tools—protecting you from invasive workplace surveillance.
Key Protections for Workers:
- Mandatory Notice: Employers must give at least 30 days’ written notice before introducing AI-driven surveillance tools—detailing what’s being collected, why, how long it’s stored, and who sees it.
- Privacy Zones & Disability Rights: AI tools—including facial recognition, gait analysis, emotion detection, and biometric tracking—are banned in off-duty or private areas like break rooms, bathrooms, personal vehicles, or your home.
- Employee Data Rights: You can access and correct data collected on you. And your employer cannot base discipline or firing solely on AI-generated information.
- Civil Penalties & Legal Recourse: Employers face $500 per employee per violation, and employees gain the right to sue for damages, injunctive relief, and attorneys’ fees.
Why This Matters
These protections reflect California’s status as a leader in workplace privacy and employment law, prioritizing employee control over sensitive data and resisting intrusive AI monitoring. At Lavi & Ebrahimian, we applaud this proactive stance and stand ready to defend your rights under California law.
What You Should Do:
- Ask about surveillance policies and AI tools at work.
- If you’re being monitored without notice—or punished unfairly based on AI data—don’t stay silent.
- Our experienced California employment attorneys can help you exercise your rights and challenge illegal practices.
Contact Lavi & Ebrahimian today for a free consultation if you believe your employer has overstepped legal surveillance limits. We’re dedicated to protecting your privacy, dignity, and security on the job. You can call us at 886-470-2189 or contact us online.