Social Network Users Bill of Rights Illustrates Jobseekers' Profile Privacy Issues [infographic] - Career News | PayScale

Marissa Brassfield, PayScale
Apr 06, 2012

Many employers are asking for access to job applicants' social media accounts during interviews, a practice that's raising eyebrows with organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union. This infographic by BackgroundCheck.org explains some of the key privacy issues at stake and introduces the Social Network Users Bill of Rights, which were drafted following the 2010 Computers, Freedom and Privacy conference.

In addition to the issues, the infographic also shares social networking sites' official stance. The LinkedIn terms of service, for example, reads, "You agree to: (1) Keep your password secure and confidential; (2) not permit others to use your account."

Facebook has also spoken out against this hiring practice. "As a user, you shouldn't be forced to share your private information and communications just to get a job," Erin Egan, the chief privacy officer of policy at Facebook, has said. "And as the friend of a user, you shouldn't have to worry that your private information or communications will be revealed to someone you don't know and didn't intend to share with just because that user is looking for a job."

What do you think of the articles within the Social Network Users Bill of Rights? Where do you stand on this polarizing privacy issue?

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