A union initiates legal proceedings against Build a Rocket Boy, citing alleged infringements of data privacy laws
The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has filed a lawsuit against Mindseye developer Build a Rocket Boy (BARB) over accusations of data privacy violations.
In a report earlier this year by GamesIndustry.biz, it was revealed that BARB had secretly implemented Teramind surveillance software on employees’ computers without notifying them, leading to the legal claims.
The IWGB accused the software of infringing on data protection laws and employees' privacy, arguing that it surpassed the justified boundaries of workplace monitoring by recording employees in their homes without their permission.
BARB admitted to deploying the software following complaints from staff about reduced PC performance and required employees to agree to a new IT policy.
Records from an all-company meeting attended by GamesIndustry.biz show CEO Mark Gerhard describing Teramind as “enhanced cybersecurity software." He promised its removal in three months, attributing its installation to comments from company founder Leslie Benzies regarding perceived internal sabotage threats.
The IWGB stated that the software, which could log keystrokes, monitor screen activity, and record audio, was removed in March after over 40 employees formally protested. The company did not clarify the purpose or the manner of data collection. The union is bringing the matter to the UK's Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Service (ACAS) and the Information Commissioner's Office for further action.
GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to BARB for more information and comments regarding the allegations.
Chris Wilson, an IWGB member and lead cinematic animator, criticized BARB's management practices, calling them a severe case of secrecy and micromanagement observed over his two-decade career in the gaming industry.
Wilson remarked that despite the removal of Teramind being achieved, many unresolved questions linger about the motives behind its inception, fostering a toxic environment unfit for productive game development.
Spring McParlin-Jones, chair of the IWGB Game Workers Branch, emphasized the negative impact on employees due to what was described as a “spectacle” of BARB’s internal turmoil and the resulting financial missteps.
She commended the staff for defending themselves against the company's management and insisted that BARB must commit to greater data transparency. The union alleges that BARB's actions violated employees’ rights to privacy.
Last year, the IWGB took legal steps citing improper handling of layoffs by BARB in June, affecting nearly 300 employees. This lawsuit includes allegations of wrongful blacklisting, causing harm, and failing to engage in collective bargaining discussions, which could lead to significant financial repercussions for the company.
Further job cuts were disclosed in March, amidst more claims of "organized espionage and corporate sabotage" by CEO Mark Gerhard, who attributed challenges during the project launch to factors beyond normal business obstacles and competition.
