We've all been warned to be careful of what we post online because our current or future boss might find it. But searching potential employees can actually get employers in trouble in some cases.
Alberta's privacy watchdog is warning businesses to be careful when using social media to do background checks on potential employees. To ensure organizations are aware of their responsibilities when collecting personal information from the web, the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) has released new guidelines.
The guidelines look at how much information can, or should, be collected through social media when performing a background check.
Wayne Wood with the OIPC suggests employers shouldn't discount the traditional way of doing background checks, which is through references. If for some reason they're not able to collect accurate information through those means, Wood says employers should be aware of the risks involved when relying on social media, and should also ask themselves how reasonable and relevant the search really is.
"You may be collecting irrelevant information. Somebody may have posted something on somebody's Facebook page that simply isn't true. You have to make sure you're gathering very accurate information as well, Wood says.
"You may want to ask the potential employee you know, can we look at your Facebook page or can we check your Twitter account before you go ahead and do it. And you have to be aware that consent can be withdrawn at any time."
For more information on the guidelines and privacy rules, businesses should visit the OIPC website. You can find the recommended guidelines below.
OIPC - Social Media Guidelines
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