A recent study by Chartered Psychologist Rob Bailey from OPP, concludes that companies who use social networking sites (SNS) to vet potential new employees are at risk of violating employment and data protection laws. SNS screening has the potential to result in a charge of discrimination if a job applicant is denied based on subjective biases rather than sound work-related criteria. The online study analyzed a nationally representative sample of more than 1,000 people of working age in the UK and Ireland. The study found that 65 percent of respondents said they were likely to look at a potential employee’s online presence prior to interviewing them. Bailey advises those organizations that choose to run the risk of using SNSs in their recruitment process to, “prepare a clear company policy based on sound legal advice.” He also advises potential job candidates to protect themselves by having privacy settings completely activated.
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