Big Word? Or Big Brother? There is an interesting discussion on LinkedIn (link below), in which Hector Lopez revealed thebigwords latest clauses: “We reserve the right to scan your computer to validate that Anti-Virus software is installed and configured correctly and has an up-to-date virus database installed. “We reserve the right to carry out an onsite check of your information technology systems, physical and information security processes and measures to ensure best practice and compliance with clauses 6.15 and 6.16 up to twice a year throughout the duration of this agreement upon reasonable prior written notice, except in case of an emergency.†My own thoughts: 1) Its incredibly dangerous to allow someone from the same industry, your competitor, access to your computer. This no doubt instantly invalidates any other confidentiality agreements you have with any and all other clients - direct clients and agencies alike. You cant stop them using whatever information they gleam for their own professional advantage - like your clients, and your clients clients. 2) Given the fact this would invalidate any other NDAs you have, you can reasonably assume they expect people to only work for them (by logical conclusion, if not design). Ergo, in many countries, this would become illegal as fake self-employment legislation will kick in, whereby companies are effectively employing people full time but not paying the standard social contributions. 3) My own suspicion is that this is due to some contract or client they are pursuing, and these clauses are an attempt to counter the natural security issues in a freelancing agency environment over a well-qualified freelancer. I sincerely doubt they EVER intend to enforce these, but merely wave these terms in front of whatever client was stupid enough to expect anything remotely reminiscent of data security from thebigword. Its not the first time thebigword has come under fire for its ludicrous contract terms, and it wont be the last.
Posted on: Thu, 01 Jan 2015 20:26:57 +0000