TikTok's Controversial Return-to-Office Surveillance Sparks Employee Outrage

TikTok has introduced a new internal software called MyRTO to track and enforce its return-to-office policy. The tool monitors badge swipes and requires employees to explain any deviations from expected in-person attendance. This move comes after TikTok faced criticism for its use of surveillance and tracking, with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, planning to use the app to track Americans using GPS information. The implementation of employee monitoring tools reflects a broader trend of companies using surveillance software to monitor remote and hybrid workers. However, employees have expressed discontent with return-to-office policies, citing the benefits of flexibility and the risk of losing top talent to competitors.