Ohio workers’ compensation claimants are wise to realize surveillance means more than a person with a camera. In 2026, the bigger risk is quieter. Ohio BWC investigators and private carriers increasingly rely on AI tools that sort claims for closer review based on digital “signals.” It is important for those who are moving forward with a workers’ compensation claim to recognize and prepare for the growing reliance on these tools.
What “AI surveillance” means in 2026
AI surveillance in the workers’ compensation industry is big business. Recent studies estimate fraudulent workers’ compensation claims cost insurance companies billions every single year. As a result, the industry is motivated to use new tools to thwart any bad claims. New tools include the use of AI to review data and prioritize claims for investigation. The data these systems can access to flag a case for review is impressive, potentially including prior claim history, treatment patterns, missed appointments, public social media content, geotags, tagged photos and check-ins.
How ordinary online activity becomes “evidence”
Investigators look for activity that appears inconsistent with reported restrictions, reported pain levels or disability status. The issue is not only what you post. The issue is what your activity suggests. Examples can include:
- A GPS check-in at a lake or a sports bar could prompt allegations of undisclosed work or involvement in physical activities, even if the claimant only sat in a car.
- A tagged photo at a child’s birthday party may lead to allegations of increased mobility, even if the claimant did not lift, carry, or participate in physical tasks.
- A short video of yard activity may be interpreted as capacity for employment, then used to challenge restrictions or ongoing compensation.
These are just a few examples. As use of AI tools continues to grow, so too will this list.
Social media do’s and don’ts during an active claim
Those who are going through the workers’ compensation process can use social media wisely by following these tips:
- Do set profiles to private but assume everything is still discoverable
- Do disable location services, geotags and automatic check-ins
- Do ask friends to stop tagging you in posts, photos and stories
- Do save copies of posts that could be misunderstood, note context, date and witnesses
- Do not post about travel, hobbies, exercise, renovations, side jobs or any cash work
- Do not react to posts that depict physical activity, lifting, sports or dancing
- Do not discuss your claim, your restrictions, your doctor or your employer
- Do not delete large amounts of content after a claim starts
This checklist can help to reduce exposure but it does not replace legal advice tailored to your facts.
We live in a time when scrutiny of everything we put online is a reality. It is wise for those who are in the midst of a workers’ compensation claim to be aware of this likelihood and anticipate any post or online interaction could show up in their case.