Union workers take legal action against Build A Rocket Boy over alleged privacy violations

A group of unionized employees at MindsEye developer Build A Rocket Boy (BARB) have initiated legal proceedings against the studio over alleged data privacy violations. The action, led by the IWGB Game Workers Union, stems from the studio’s installation of surveillance software called Teramind on employee work devices without their knowledge.

The issue came to light in February when employees discovered the monitoring software after experiencing unusual slowness on their machines. Teramind, which tracks user activity including keystrokes and screen behavior, was installed as a supposed security measure. Co-CEO Mark Gerhard acknowledged the installation in a company meeting but provided limited transparency about the software’s capabilities and data collection practices.

After 40 employees filed a collective grievance demanding its removal, Teramind was taken off employee devices in March. However, management has reportedly refused to disclose what data the software collected, how it was stored, or how it was used—raising significant concerns among affected workers.

The IWGB union argues that the surveillance software violates both UK data protection laws and employees’ fundamental rights and dignity. The union also alleges the software was “invasive” and “recording individuals in their homes and without their consent,” suggesting the monitoring extended beyond typical workplace oversight into employees’ personal spaces during remote work.

The legal action represents a significant escalation in labor tensions at the studio, which has faced multiple controversies in recent months. The case highlights broader concerns about workplace surveillance practices in the gaming industry and the appropriate balance between employer security measures and employee privacy rights.

Union workers take legal action against Build A Rocket Boy over alleged privacy violations

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