Vic CPDP warns against online profiling

Victoria’s privacy commissioner has warned state government agencies about the risks involved with collecting information about job applicants from social media.

In an information sheet detailing workplace privacy in the Victorian public sector, Commissioner for Privacy and Data Protection David Watts stated that searching for information about job applicants over social media — a practice known as online profiling — can “easily result in the overcollection of personal information.”

Under Victoria’s Information Privacy Principles, organisations should only collect information about an applicant that is relevant to its function and activities.

“With other forms of information gathering, employers have greater ability to control the amount of information they collect. For example, a prospective employer would normally ask for references about a job candidate’s work habits but not about their marital status,” the information sheet states.

“With social media checks, they can quickly lose control over the quantity and nature of information they collect about an individual.”

Indiscriminate collection of online material may also contravene another privacy principle stipulating that information collected must be accurate and up to date.

“If an employer chooses to conduct a social media search, employers should be upfront by providing notice about this and allow candidates to clarify any contentious search results,” the information sheet adds.

“Prior to conducting a social media search, employers should set clear parameters regarding what information they will collect to ensure they do not collect more information than is necessary for decision-making, nor collect third-party information.”

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