Facebook Fights Password Requests

Employers are seeking greater access to job applicants’ social-media profiles, and Facebook has threatened to take legal action “where appropriate.” In a statement Friday, Facebook’s chief privacy officer said employer demands for prospective employees’ passwords “undermines” its strict privacy policies and could potentially leave the employer liable to suits. The demand for passwords underscores social media’s growing role in the job-hunt process: both job seekers and hunters are turning to outlets like LinkedIn and Facebook, but more companies are using them to screen candidates. “As a user you shouldn’t be forced to share your private information and communications just to get a job,” Facebook said in its statement.