Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Hands Off My Passwords

So, if you keep up with much in the land of interwebz, you've most likely seen the articles about some employers asking for interviewee's Facebook user names/passwords, so that they can check up on what the person is posting. I follow their logic, in that they want to know what kind of person are they hiring, and if that person is trustworthy or not. I get that. However, I also have to ask:
what kind of alternate universe are you operating in, where you would think that asking for personal passwords is a good idea?!?
In a time where we have privacy laws like HIPPA, anti-discrimination laws, and other right to privacy things, how would they think it is ok to ask that? *facepalm*

Facebook has officially weighed in on this, thankfully. So, should you find yourself in this situation, you don't have to worry about your employer finding out your real age, sexual orientation, or embarrassing photos of cats in sweaters. All you have to do is say that you aren't going to violate the terms of responsibilities and rights for your Facebook account. And it goes without saying (though I'm going to say it anyway) that you shouldn't be sharing passwords for anything, be it Facebook, Twitter, iTunes, email, anything. No password sharing, got it?

And, because we're all about you reading this stuff for yourself, here's links to stories about it, plus Facebook's official post about it.

Protecting Your Passwords and Your Privacy

Facebook on Passwords During Job Interviews-Dont Ask Dont Tell

Facebook May Sue Employers Who Want Passwords

Hey Employers--My Facebook Password Is None of Your Business

Plus a good "Devil's Advocate" read:
Why I would ask for your password as an employer