cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/1868112

A Chinese company is facing backlash after it sent staff members to photograph other employees using the toilet and later posting the compromising images on the wall of the restroom. Shenzen-based Lixun Electro-Acoustic admitted it was creepily monitoring the employees, whilst explaining the rationale behind its decision, according to a report in South China Morning Post.

The company said it undertook the surveillance to warn employees against using the bathroom for too long with few spending time smoking while others played video games.

“The staff were spending too much time in the bathroom smoking or playing games, which made other staff uncomfortable,” the company said.

“Smoking in the bathroom is prohibited and the purpose is to prevent people from staying in the bathroom for long periods of time due to video games and other activities.”

Notably, when the worker would not open the bathroom door for long, the other staffer would stand on the ladder and use the phone to click the pictures.

As the controversy snowballed, the company said it had taken down the photos a few hours later because “they do not look good”.

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