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Hidden Risks of Using Facebook, MySpace, and Other Websites to Scope Out New and Prospective Hires

On February 26, 2008, I will be presenting a nation-wide teleconference entitled “Hidden Risks of Using Facebook, MySpace, and Other Websites to Scope Out New and Prospective Hires" through BLR. More information can be found at BLR’s website here.

During this 90-minute audio conference, I will cover the legal pros and cons of relying on online data when you screen potential and current employees – with a special emphasis on information found via Google, Facebook, MySpace, and other social networking sites. I will also cover the following topics:

• The most common mistakes employers make when they check applicants and current employees on the Web
• Which online sites pose the greatest legal threats for employers when used for HR purposes
• When it’s legal to use information found online to evaluate applicants and workers – and what types of online details you must never use or keep (no matter how damaging or relevant it may seem)
• How you can decide whether the information you’ve found online is accurate
• The steps you should take if an applicant or employee claims that your online searches constitute an illegal invasion of privacy
• When your Facebook, MySpace, or Google searches may cross the line into discrimination
• The red flags that you may have violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act when surfing the Web to learn more about applicants or employees – and how to protect yourself

In preparing for the conference, I am interested in specific questions anyone would like addressed, problems companies have encountered in this area, or any other comments you have about this topic. Please email me at azaller[at]vtzlaw.com.

A bit off topic, but related to social networking sites, please feel free to connect with me or view my profile on Linkedin. Click here for my Linkedin profile. 

Full post as published by California Labor & Employment Defense Blog on January 17, 2008 (boomark / email).