NO SURPRISE: Facebook not happy about employers asking for our passwords

facebook-password-protection.jpg

The on-the-ball Facebook team has released a statement in response to claims that sneaky employers are asking potential employees for log-in details, which states the social network takes the matter very seriously and could turn to legal action in the future.

It really comes as no surprise whatsoever that Facebook is a bit angry about the fact it’s been revealed some employers, educational institutions and government agences are asking potential employees for their log-in details so they can see what they’ve been up to.

A statement released today by Erin Egan, the social network’s chief privacy officer, explains some of the incidents that have occurred and goes on to say:

“Facebook takes your privacy seriously. We’ll take action to protect the privacy and security of our users, whether by engaging policymakers or, where appropriate, by initiating legal action, including by shutting down applications that abuse their privileges.

“While we will continue to do our part, it is important that everyone on Facebook understands they have a right to keep their password to themselves, and we will do our best to protect that right.”

We’re not at all surprised that Facebook isn’t too happy with these claims. After all, in many ways these kinds of actions undermine what Facebook is all about, violate its terms of service and oh yeah, it’s just REALLY FREAKING CREEPY.

[Via The Next Web]

Related: POLL: Would you give your boss your Facebook password?

Becca Caddy

One thought on “NO SURPRISE: Facebook not happy about employers asking for our passwords

  • This seems to violate personal privacy in the most heinous way — like bugging your phone, reading your diary or quizzing your ex-husband/wife or mother-in-law. Also, the practice implies the prospective employee is guilty of something from the outset. And should you refuse to give your password – no matter how valid your reason regarding “right to privacy” it is automatically assumed you have more to hide than a few bad-hair-day pictures, a couple of questionable social affiliations and trivial “doesn’t demonstrate your intelligence” wall posts. So what’s the solution? Again, refusing may not be the best option in today’s difficult job market. But, then again, do you really want to work for a company that wants to tread that far into your personal (My)Space or get in your Face(book) like that? Employers should accept the Rules of Personal Space regarding access to employees’ social sites. The Intimate Zone: reserved only for those rare totally trusted people you give access to your password – The Personal Zone: reserved for people you know and like and those you friend who can view your page. The Social Zone: for people we feel comfortable with, but don’t know well. They get public access to your page and cannot “read your wall”. The Public Zone: This is the space way outside your personal zone. Someone trying to gain personal information from here can feel invasive and uncomfortable. This is essentially the world outside of you – where employers reside – until they’ve gained your trust.

Comments are closed.