Usage Tracking Software on Personal Computers

[Kaara]

My question involves independent contractors in the state of: Texas

I have been working as an IC for a company for nearly two years. Today they sent out a new policy stating that they wanted to put tracking software on all IC computers to be able to tell what else we were doing with our computers during "their time." I want to know the legalities of this. Wouldn't that amount of control mean that they would have to classify me as an employee rather than an IC?

[Mr. Knowitall]

What sort of work do you do such that there is a "your time" and "their time"? If you're an independent contractor billing by the hour for your work, what's the difference if an hour is comprised of a solid block or five minute increments as long as it adds up to an hour? If they don't like your work product they can utilize their other contractors instead of you.

[eerelations]

If it's a block of time you're billing them for, they can insist on proof that you actually performed work for them during that time.

[Mr. Knowitall]

They can ask for the sun, moon and Earth. If you don't want to give them any of the above, you're free to seek other clients and they're free to employ other contractors.

[Beth3]

Wouldn't that amount of control mean that they would have to classify me as an employee rather than an IC? I don't see why it would. It simply allows them to verify the amount of time spent working for them, assuming you're billing by the hour.