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It is in the Netherlands, permanent surveillance of employees without a specific reason (read: related to a specific instance or incident) is not permitted.

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Same in Switzerland. If there is a specific reason for surveillance the employee must also be informed of upcoming surveillance and the consequences if something were to be found.

Same in Germany, and it's not specific to IT equipment.

You also cannot monitor employees using cameras.

Wait, so is CCTV in the office not allowed??

No, not if you are not working in a bank where there is a specific reason for your employer which is for example exposure to a considerable risk of being robbed. It is also permitted if you have had problems in the past with employees stealing things from the company, but only in places where it makes sense and is proportionate.

In any case, you have to make that absolutely clear to your employees. Any unanounced surveillance is a criminal offence here.

Wait, 100 % CCTV coverage of all corporate premises is not allowed in the EU? surprised free-est country of the world noises

Public spaces, entry points yes.

Over workers, pointing at workstations no.

However, MTIM proxies by bluecoat ... Apparently is okay.

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