Job applicants being asked for their FB password

[Misfit]

Job applicants being asked for their Facebook password - Inside Bay Area

SEATTLE -- When Justin Bassett interviewed for a new job, he expected the usual questions about experience and references. So he was astonished when the interviewer asked for something else: his Facebook username and password.

Bassett, a New York City statistician, had just finished answering a few character questions when the interviewer turned to her computer to search for his Facebook page. But she couldn't see his private profile. She turned back and asked him to hand over his login information.

Bassett refused and withdrew his application, saying he didn't want to work for a company that would seek such personal information. But as the job market steadily improves, other job candidates are confronting the same question from prospective employers, and some of them cannot afford to say no.

In their efforts to vet applicants, some companies and government agencies are going beyond merely glancing at a person's social networking profiles and instead asking to log in as the user to have a look around.

"It's akin to requiring someone's house keys," said Orin Kerr, a George Washington University law professor and former federal prosecutor who calls it "an egregious privacy violation."

Questions have been raised about the legality of the practice, which is also the focus of proposed legislation in Illinois and Maryland that would forbid public agencies from asking for access to social networks.

 

[EmptyTimCup]

Glad I got rid of mine

 

[ICit]

thats BS!

"I" dont have one... so they would never find me!

 

[CrashTest]

The practice ain't gonna last long once the lawsuits start flying. You're not even allowed to ask someone their age or if they're married, etc.

 

[Dakota]

I realize this is another state but I'm sure it will be decided that to ask for one's password is illegal just like it is in Maryland.

SoMdNews.com: Senate says passwords off-limits

 

[CrashTest]

I realize this is another state but I'm sure it will be decided that to ask for one's password is illegal just like it is in Maryland.

SoMdNews.com: Senate says passwords off-limits

That story brings up a good point about whether they'll be able to do it for a security clearance. Afterall, to get a security clearance, all bets are off. You have to give them access to medical records, etc.

 

[GWguy]

That story brings up a good point about whether they'll be able to do it for a security clearance. Afterall, to get a security clearance, all bets are off. You have to give them access to medical records, etc.

First rule of good security practice, and we are repeatedly reminded during security refresher training, is to never give out your password. To anyone. For any reason.

Now the implication is that there could be negative repercussions for failing to do so?? Can you say, "two-faced" ?

 

[Cheeky1]

Job applicants being asked for their Facebook password - Inside Bay Area

SEATTLE -- When Justin Bassett interviewed for a new job, he expected the usual questions about experience and references. So he was astonished when the interviewer asked for something else: his Facebook username and password.

Bassett, a New York City statistician, had just finished answering a few character questions when the interviewer turned to her computer to search for his Facebook page. But she couldn't see his private profile. She turned back and asked him to hand over his login information.

Bassett refused and withdrew his application, saying he didn't want to work for a company that would seek such personal information. But as the job market steadily improves, other job candidates are confronting the same question from prospective employers, and some of them cannot afford to say no.

In their efforts to vet applicants, some companies and government agencies are going beyond merely glancing at a person's social networking profiles and instead asking to log in as the user to have a look around.

"It's akin to requiring someone's house keys," said Orin Kerr, a George Washington University law professor and former federal prosecutor who calls it "an egregious privacy violation."

Questions have been raised about the legality of the practice, which is also the focus of proposed legislation in Illinois and Maryland that would forbid public agencies from asking for access to social networks.

Why did he even mention that he had a FB page? If he mentions it in the interview, IMO, it is fair game. It is still his decision...the employer isn't forcing the man to give his information. It is says in the article that the man exercised his rights and withdrew. Good for him. Now all he need do is either (1) not mention it in any future interviews and/or (2) create a 'business' FB page that an overly intrusive employer can access at will and/or (3) get out of patronization of FB all together.

 

[b23hqb]

FB is worthless, but I side with the employers with this one. The potential employer has every right to know the background of a potential employee, and if that candidate has trashed a previous employer on the net. The employer should be allowed to take that into consideration during the hiring/rejecting process.

If applicants don't like it, just leave.

Once a dog has fleas, it is hard, if ever possible to get rid of all of them.

 

[SoMDGirl42]

Why did he even mention that he had a FB page? If he mentions it in the interview, IMO, it is fair game. It is still his decision...the employer isn't forcing the man to give his information. It is says in the article that the man exercised his rights and withdrew. Good for him. Now all he need do is either (1) not mention it in any future interviews and/or (2) create a 'business' FB page that an overly intrusive employer can access at will and/or (3) get out of patronization of FB all together.

That's BS. I have a bank account. If an employer asks if I have a bank account, does that mean I have to turn over my login info and password?

Nope. Facebook is not illegal, so what he does or says at home on his time is his personal opinion.

 

[SoMDGirl42]

FB is worthless, but I side with the employers with this one. The potential employer has every right to know the background of a potential employee, and if that candidate has trashed a previous employer on the net. The employer should be allowed to take that into consideration during the hiring/rejecting process.

If applicants don't like it, just leave.

Once a dog has fleas, it is hard, if ever possible to get rid of all of them.

Then they would have to ask for each and every ID you have for the internet. What if someone here trashed their previous employer on SOMD.com. Oh my.

 

[EmptyTimCup]

Why did he even mention that he had a FB page?

the interviewer turned the computer monitor around .....

:shrug:



the interviewer was already looking

 

[FromTexas]

Once a dog has fleas, it is hard, if ever possible to get rid of all of them.

Kwillia is going to be upset...


Beetlejuice.

 

[twinoaks207]

A bit more information....

Facebook Tells Users Not to Give Passwords to Employers As Senate Prepares Anti-Snooping Bill

This is a really hot issue, so I'm sure we'll see more about it.

 

[b23hqb]

Then they would have to ask for each and every ID you have for the internet. What if someone here trashed their previous employer on SOMD.com. Oh my.

Again, so what? The prospective employer has a right to know the background of an applicant.

How about you? Have you ever checked out a contractor on Better Business Bureau? Had second or third opinions and interviews with doctors/surgeons before undergoing open-heart or any kind of surgery? Checked references for day care centers or baby sitters?

Hint: don't trash your employer on any public forum, i-net or not.

Everything you have said or typed on the net or via e-mail is out there, somewhere.

Then you have nothing to worry about, eh?

 

[Cheeky1]

That's BS. I have a bank account. If an employer asks if I have a bank account, does that mean I have to turn over my login info and password?

Nope. Facebook is not illegal, so what he does or says at home on his time is his personal opinion.

Why would an employer ask if you have a bank account - during an interview? Once hired, an employer might need to know if the employee has a bank account if he/she would prefer direct deposit. :shrug:

True, but your logic is perpetuating a 'tunnel vision'. Additionally, whatever is posted on the internet can be defamatory/slanderous/etc.....these may very well JUST be his opinions, but if they aren't truthful, they can wrongfully damage a company's public image. The worldwide web goes both ways. If you are going to use it, use it responsibly and, for heaven's sake, stop posting YOUR garbage on FB.

Again, I commend this guy for exercising his rights to keep his personal life in his own hands and not giving his key, to it, to the company. This may have taken a lot of integrity to do.

However, employers are also in a tough spot due to the tough times of a downed economy. They want to limit possible negative exposure when possible. A disgruntled former employee can cause serious damage....would you give up the chance to possibly not hire a liability, rather than hiring a person that can show they can give a positive image of the company even if they get fired/layed off/let go?

 

[SoMDGirl42]

Why would an employer ask if you have a bank account - during an interview? Once hired, an employer might need to know if the employee has a bank account if he/she would prefer direct deposit. :shrug:

True, but your logic is perpetuating a 'tunnel vision'. Additionally, whatever is posted on the internet can be defamatory/slanderous/etc.....these may very well JUST be his opinions, but if they aren't truthful, they can wrongfully damage a company's public image. The worldwide web goes both ways. If you are going to use it, use it responsibly and, for heaven's sake, stop posting YOUR garbage on FB.

Again, I commend this guy for exercising his rights to keep his personal life in his own hands and not giving his key, to it, to the company. This may have taken a lot of integrity to do.

However, employers are also in a tough spot due to the tough times of a downed economy. They want to limit possible negative exposure when possible. A disgruntled former employee can cause serious damage.......would you do nothing?

I don't use FB to air laundry. I don't even have my company listed as my employer. I've never said anything bad about a current or previous employer. If they searched my FB, they'd be bored to tears. I use FB to post pics of my family for family members that don't live nearby to stay in touch with. But that's not the point. Maybe I don't want my future employers looking at pictures of my minor child. If I don't want strangers looking at pictures of my kid, that's my business. I think that's an invasion of privacy. :shrug:

 

[Cheeky1]

I don't use FB to air laundry. I don't even have my company listed as my employer. I've never said anything bad about a current or previous employer. If they searched my FB, they'd be bored to tears. I use FB to post pics of my family for family members that don't live nearby to stay in touch with. But that's not the point. Maybe I don't want my future employers looking at pictures of my minor child. If I don't want strangers looking at pictures of my kid, that's my business. I think that's an invasion of privacy. :shrug:

...and I agree with you.

Remember, this whole fiasco wouldn't even be an issue, if it weren't a problem to begin with. Companies are noticing the negative media exposure that can come from the online media outlets, one of which, is FB.

 

[libertytyranny]

not only would I express displeasure and walk out, I would make sure to report them "somewhere" EEO maybe? anyway, there's no way I would do that. there isn't anything on my page I wouldn't care for an employer to see, but if my profile is private, that means only my friends can see it, thus their reputation is not the issue. They are snooping to determine the answers to all those questions they aren't legally allowed to ask. It is wrong and an invasion of privacy pure and simple. I would never work for a company that wanted to be so entwined into my personal life, or was that damn nosey about what I do. It's not akin to asking for car keys, its akin to asking to read your diary.

 

[SoMDGirl42]

...and I agree with you.

Remember, this whole fiasco wouldn't even be an issue, if it weren't a problem to begin with. Companies are noticing the negative media exposure that can come from the online media outlets, one of which, is FB.

Then companies should work harder at being better companies. Wouldn't they feel stupid if I turned over my login and password to them and all they found was how much I raved about how much I loved my employer and talked great about them. But then I'd have to sue them for invasion of privacy.