Author Topic: Employers asking job seekers for social network passwords (Read 2603 times)

Duke McDukiedook · « **on:** March 21, 2012, 07:09:59 AM »

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/21/tagblogsfindlawcom2012-lawandlife-idUS157066465220120321

Wow, this is starting to get scary, I seriously hope this kind of practice gets shutdown soon with a lot of lawsuits.

So, when I show up at my interview and they ask for passwords (even though I don't have a facespace account) can I ask them in kind to pee in some specimen cups for drug tests and ask for their bank account and credit score information? I mean fairplay and all, if they are gonna invade my personal life that means I get to do that right back, amirite?

For me the interview would end right there with a serious chiding before I storm out the door and tell them my beady-eyed, souless lawyer will be talking with them soon.

Damfino · « **Reply #1 on:** March 21, 2012, 07:20:53 AM »

Yeah, they're doing this to the school chillin's too!!

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #2 on:** March 21, 2012, 07:50:45 AM »

That is outrageous. Will they want to read your mail next?

tortelvis · « **Reply #3 on:** March 21, 2012, 09:51:27 AM »

Quote from: LesterPiglet on March 21, 2012, 07:50:45 AM

That is outrageous. Will they want to read your mail next?

What makes you think they are not already doing that?

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #4 on:** March 21, 2012, 09:53:59 AM »

I don't get any.

mark · « **Reply #5 on:** March 21, 2012, 10:08:22 AM »

I'd probably get that 'from another planet' look for saying I don't do Twitspace.

Does this mean you don't get the job for not having a faceplant to log into?? Probably.

Duke McDukiedook · « **Reply #6 on:** March 21, 2012, 10:23:20 AM »

Another theme on some articles I read not too long ago was that the formal resume is passe- companies these days want to see your facespace and farmville accounts to determine if you are 'worthy' of their ~~enslavement~~ employment.

"I'm sorry, you do not want to see my resume?!?!!?"

Roach Carver · « **Reply #7 on:** March 21, 2012, 03:53:50 PM »

I hadnt even thought about the lack of privacy you have with email that for the most part you do have with a letter. I know someone could read your reg mail but it would be a lot tougher. Im sure cracking into a persons email is probably quite doable.?!

BobbyR · « **Reply #8 on:** March 21, 2012, 06:59:37 PM »

With email you have some expectation of privacy if you send it on your own machine. Facebook and Twitter are public places. For years years job articles have been telling people to watch their asses on Social Networking sites. I don;t agree with it, but there is nothing you can do about it.

Really? · « **Reply #9 on:** March 21, 2012, 07:03:55 PM »

It is good practice to not accept friend requests from co-workers. Your personal life can get around quick.

BobbyR · « **Reply #10 on:** March 21, 2012, 07:11:11 PM »

If I know your name I can see what you post. Facebook should be your best face forward. Go on Yahoo and do your dirty work.

Gordon · « **Reply #11 on:** March 21, 2012, 09:18:00 PM »

Quote from: BobbyR on March 21, 2012, 07:11:11 PM

If I know your name I can see what you post.

Regardless of the user's privacy settings?

faux fiddy · « **Reply #12 on:** March 21, 2012, 10:43:49 PM »

heard the interviewon npr todat. The guy was actually a gov worker being re-hired to the same job.

Don't use social networking, had something years ago.

One of the most profound things I saw there was someone asking why people who get uppity about their privacy rights post their every move on myface.

This reinforces my non-participation except for here, I guess.

tramp · « **Reply #13 on:** March 22, 2012, 06:36:05 AM »

this is just all wrong
i would tell the employer that you don't want to work for someone that takes away your privacy rights

Duke McDukiedook · « **Reply #14 on:** March 22, 2012, 08:02:42 AM »

They (da gubmnet) are already looking into writing laws about this issue it seems.

Really? · « **Reply #15 on:** March 22, 2012, 08:22:04 AM »

They will search your My Space profiles and will deny your employment beaded on its content, even after you were given an acceptance letter. My Space profiles are kinda wide open.

So, if you still have a My Space profile that you forgot about because you switched to FaceBook or Twitter or one of the other social network, clean it up or delete it if you are looking for work.

BobbyR · « **Reply #16 on:** March 22, 2012, 09:01:08 AM »

The advice given by job coachs is to not do anything on social netwrking you would
would not do in the middle of Town at High Noon.
Yes Gordon, people figured that out a long time ago.

dave500 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 22, 2012, 12:54:51 PM »

you could always set up an account with fake stuff on it which makes you look better?like helping old ladies cross the street etc.

HondanutRider · « **Reply #18 on:** March 22, 2012, 02:09:53 PM »

Quote from: dave500 on March 22, 2012, 12:54:51 PM

you could always set up an account with fake stuff on it which makes you look better?like helping old ladies cross the street etc.

My thoughts as well. In fact, I see a very real opportunity for some people to start-up a PR company that would specialize is establishing a very good promotional "domain" in the public webspace, where the individual would look spectacular to a prospective employer. (I think there are already professional resume writers out there, for hire.)

Really? · « **Reply #19 on:** March 22, 2012, 02:42:19 PM »

Hah, now there is something good to do with that old My Space profile

Gordon · « **Reply #20 on:** March 22, 2012, 05:07:41 PM »

Quote from: BobbyR on March 22, 2012, 09:01:08 AM

Yes Gordon, people figured that out a long time ago.

I'm kind of behind the times. Could you explain what they figured out? I mean, short of figuring out somebody's password or hacking into their account I don't see how you could see what anybody posted unless you were on their friend list or they left their account wide open to the public. If that's the case, though, then it's no different for any email accounts either.

My account is wrapped up tight and I don't accept random friend requests. How could you see what I post?

I do agree with what you said about what people should post. Even though I have my privacy settings at the strictest level I still treat facebook like a completely open forum. Also, having my mom as a "friend" keeps me on my best behavior.

socalenduro · « **Reply #21 on:** March 22, 2012, 05:20:03 PM »

what makes a private facebook page any more public than a private diary? can they just ask for that? i mean you wrote it down so its your fault right (like putting anything on facebook) (yes im being facetious)
im fine with them doing background checks including checking the internet, but something really feels wrong about asking for the password or the keys to anything.

Gordon · « **Reply #22 on:** March 22, 2012, 05:56:27 PM »

I'm pretty sure as long as the information a prospective employer is asking for isn't covered under anti-discrimination laws, they can ask pretty much anything they want, and social networking passwords or even your own personal diary aren't covered by those laws. The important thing, however, is that you don't have to provide any information that you don't want to.

I don't really see the big deal with this issue. Yes, I think it's stupid of an employer to ask for permission to have full access to your non-work, personal life, but would you really want to work for a person or company that would even ask for that? It's not an invasion of privacy if they ask and you give it to them.

It's a dumb thing for employers to ask and I don't see it catching on. I'm positive many employers have asked far more ridiculous questions in the past, but we never heard about it because it wasn't "newsworthy".

BobbyR · « **Reply #23 on:** March 22, 2012, 06:05:21 PM »

I think it is dead wrong to do this. Unfortunately in the current job environment job seekers can be subjected to all types if indignities. Once you have the job, they have a new menu of indignities to subject you to.

72 yellow · « **Reply #24 on:** March 24, 2012, 11:27:20 AM »

I saw a story on the news that Facebook will sue prospective employers for asking for passwords.

dave500 · « **Reply #25 on:** March 24, 2012, 01:57:20 PM »

just give them a phony password,then when they say we cant log into your account you just say yeah me neither.

Greggo · « **Reply #26 on:** March 24, 2012, 04:45:30 PM »

Facebook announced they'll sue any employer asking to do this.

Jeff.Saunders · « **Reply #27 on:** March 24, 2012, 05:49:04 PM »

I think this is going to get very ugly... some law firm is going to get very rich out of this...

I don't think it is appropriate to ever get access to personal information without major justification. I could see the need for certain security clearances - but for a 9-5 job, I think it's wrong.

Where the line blurs substantially - if an employee using facebook or personal email on a company computer. Employers should have the right to review all that goes in and out the door of a business. There's too much risk of fraud and industrial espionage to not review anything deemed suspicious.

Cuts Crooked · « **Reply #28 on:** March 25, 2012, 03:48:51 PM »

"You want my Facebook password? OK, just as soon as you provide me with the passwords to your company computer systems, I'll give it to you!"

BobbyR · « **Reply #29 on:** March 25, 2012, 06:17:11 PM »

I think Jeff is right, this is going to get ugly. He is also right about having a private life that has nothing to do with work.

Politicians are getting into the act and this being an election year expect them to take the high road. The high road for a Politician is always what will win votes of course.

Duke McDukiedook · « **Reply #30 on:** March 26, 2012, 07:28:22 AM »

Quote from: Greggo on March 24, 2012, 04:45:30 PM

Facebook announced they'll sue any employer asking to do this.

Don't want to mess with Mark's baby. Ask Saverin or Parker how that went for them.

News:

Author Topic: Employers asking job seekers for social network passwords (Read 2603 times)