Mediaboss Marketing

LAS VEGAS -- As social networking continues to become more popular, it has become common for employers to review not only credit reports, but Facebook and Twitter profiles.

Now, a bill making its way through the Nevada Legislature could halt the practice.

Some state lawmakers are working to stop employers from getting access to workers' passwords and private settings.

"When an employer requests access to a social media account, not only is the employer gaining access to the messages and posts of the applicant and the employee, but the information of the individuals contacts as well," Nevada Assemblyman David Bobzien said.

Blogger and author Cathy Scott said it is inappropriate for employers to gain access to such private information.

"I think it's like asking you your age, if you're married, if you have kids," she said.

If passed, this law would not only stop access to an employee's social media account, but also from considering a consumer report or credit check, except in certain circumstances.

When Andrea Dresser was applying for a job in Las Vegas, that dreaded credit check was an unexpected factor in her hiring.

"They wanted to run a credit report," she said. "Thank God it was OK, but I was scared, like, what if I had financial problems?"

Scott said there's a basic rule of thumb to navigating the pitfalls of Facebook and Twitter.

Visit link:
Bill Would Protect Workers' Social Media Accounts