Employers asking for FB passwords

[BonBon]

This was in our local paper today and I found it appalling. We all know that employers/potential employers are going to check out your social networking page. But for those who keep their page private, some employers are asking you to open up your page for them, or to hand over the password.

Another issue is some employers are asking that employees sign non-disparagement agreements.

Thoughts?

http://www.businessinsider.com/empoy...assword-2012-3

[SoonerTexan]

Wow.

Now I agree that you should be careful what you post online, private or not. I myself used Facebook to find out about potential interns for last summer, so I know it happens.

But asking for a password? Huge violation of privacy.

[GrayMatterWife]

As long as the employer is not a state entity (government), there's no freedom of speech problem. You agree to work for a private employer, you do so on their terms. You can always decline to work for them.

[MrsK]

I ask potential babysitters to friend me on facebook so I can check out their profiles. Their reaction and seeing what they share with the public (however limited) helps me assess their maturity and judgment. The best response I've gotten so far was from a college student who told me she closed her FB account so she could focus on her studies. Regardless of whether that was true, her response was savvy and it impressed me.

[scrub-jay]

On many websites, you agree to their terms of service which prohibits you from sharing your password with anyone. They are free to look at what is available to the public, but I will not share my passwords. I honor the contracts I sign.

[GrayMatterWife]

I don't know....Passwords are there for a reason. And, if we start giving out some passwords, why not other passwords? What if your future employer would like to see some other part of your life that is password protected?

Work is work. Private life is private life. The two should remain as separate as possible. An employer doesn't need to veryify anything beyond a criminal background check and your career history.

A private employer is free to ask for such information. A private employer could ask for the combination to your safe, to your home alarm, to your DNA. As long as it isn't violating the law. You may feel entitled to such privacy, but if you agree to be employed by this entity and that entity requires that you surrender your passwords, you are not entitled to the privacy and your job. In fact, if you don't surrender the password, you could be sued for breach of contract. If you want separation of your personal and work life, work for an employer that doesn't pry.

[diggitydot]

Sorry, I've walked out on interviews for less. No way would I even remotely entertain the idea if handing over ANY passwords. They can get bent.

[Mrs. MD, Esq.]

I agree with DD...never gonna happen...even asking demonstrates I'd never want to work there!

[niener]

I agree with DD...never gonna happen...even asking demonstrates I'd never want to work there!

Ditto. Might as well hand over my cell phone so they can read all my text messages, open up my email, and hell while they're at it, here's my last month's worth of receipts. Oh, that bottle of lube I bought at Walgreens 2 weeks ago? That was so I could take the dog's temperature -- I swear.

[GrayMatterWife]

I agree with DD, too. No way would I accept a job that wanted a password like that. If for no other reason, it shows a shocking lack of trust--which cannot possibly engender a good work environment and high morale. Your employer is some voyeuristic overlord? Yeah, people must love to work there.

And I work for the endlessly nosy federal government!

[MarissaNicole]

I think I'd close my Facebook account before handing over my password.

I don't get it though, if its not viewable to the public why do they care? I would think asking to be friends with you on Facebook would better achieve their purpose.

Giving them your password gives them access to things your friends do and say. Those friends have the expectation that YOU and their friends (not their friends bosses) are reading it. So it almost seems like a violation of your friends' privacy.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

[moonlight]

If my job asked for my FB password tomorrow I would tell them no. #1 it's none of their dang business and #2 i use the same password for everything!! haha!

[SuzySunshine]

Asking to be friended so you could see their wall would be one thing but I wouldn't give my password and if that cost me the job then so be it.

[scrub-jay]

This is why the current advice out there is to establish a "professional" identity online, separate from your personal identity. I've been seeing this come up repeatedly and I've seen several states working on revamping privacy laws to address social media issues. We shall see what actually pans out.

[SoonerTexan]

If employers cannot ask you about certain things like age, pregnancy, marital status, etc. how can they demand access to something that has a high potential to reveal all or most of these things?