8. Glossary List This glossary explains recurring terms and concepts used throughout the country chapters. It is intended to support workers and union representatives in quickly understanding technical, legal, and managerial language commonly used in discussions about digitalised workplaces. A Algorithmic management The use of software systems and algorithms to allocate tasks, evaluate performance, de­termine pay, schedule work, or discipline workers, often with limited transparency or human oversight. Artificial intelligence(AI) Computer-based systems de­signed to perform tasks that typically require human judg­ment, such as decision-making, pattern recognition, predic­tion, or classification. In workplaces, AI is increasingly used in recruitment, performance management, surveillance, and automation. AI systems(Artificial Intelligence systems) An AI system is a type of digital system that uses computational meth­ods such as machine learning, statistical models, or rule­based algorithms to generate outputs including predic­tions, classifications, recommendations, or decisions based on input data. AI systems are used in some workplaces for tasks such as recruitment screening, performance scoring, task allocation, or pattern recognition. AI systems are digi­tal systems that use algorithmic models to generate out­puts from data. Automated decision-making(ADM) Decisions affecting workers that are made wholly or primarily by digital sys­tems, with minimal or no human intervention, for example in hiring, scheduling, performance scoring, or dismissal. B Biometric data/ biometric systems Personal data based on physical or behavioural characteristics, such as finger­prints, facial images, iris scans, or voice patterns, used to identify or authenticate workers, often for attendance, ac­cess control, or monitoring. C Collective bargaining Negotiations between workers’ or­ganisations and employers to determine working condi­tions, rights, and obligations. In the context of digitalisa­tion, collective bargaining is used to regulate technology use where law is absent, weak, or insufficient. Consultation and worker participation Legal or collective­ly agreed processes requiring employers to inform and in­volve workers or their representatives before introducing technological, organisational, or operational changes that affect working conditions. D Data Any representation of information, facts, or concepts in a form capable of being processed by a computer system. Data Fiduciary/ Controller The entity(usually the em­ployer) that decides how and why personal data is pro­cessed and bears the legal responsibility for its protection. Data Minimisation The principle that only the data strictly necessary for a specific, stated purpose should be collected and used. Data protection Rules and principles governing how infor­mation relating to an identifiable person is collected, stored, used, shared, and retained. In workplaces, this in­cludes amongst others attendance data, location data, per­formance metrics, and biometric information. Data Protection Impact Assessment(DPIA) A structured assessment required in many jurisdictions before introduc­ing high-risk data-processing systems. It evaluates risks to workers’ rights and freedoms. Digital labour platforms/ platform work Work mediated through digital applications or online platforms that allo­cate tasks, manage performance, and process payment, of­ten using algorithmic systems. Examples include ride-hail­ing, delivery, and online outsourcing. Digital technologies Digital technologies are electronic tools, devices, software, and data-processing applications that create, collect, store, transmit, or analyse digital data. In workplaces, this includes items such as computers, mo­bile devices, biometric scanners, cameras, GPS devices, software applications, platforms, and databases. These technologies generate and process data that can be used in organising, monitoring, or managing work. Digital tech­nologies are the individual electronic tools and applica­tions. Glossary List 27