Employers snooping social media


All the more reason to stay anonymous on here and sometimes it is difficult when engaged in a chat. I've talked about my work, but only hinted at what and where. There have been times I've wanted to share some stuff such as Flickr pictures or just throw something daft up in my webspace but have not because it links directly to me. I think if someone went through all my posts they could work out who I am, but it would be a bit of guess work and a lot of effort for very little gain. I think the only thing that would stand out on here is that I don't think I'd be employable by the government or a related government agency, given that I'm quite open about my feelings on them.

But if someone is on Linked in or Facebook where it is not anonymous and often links directly to their work, and says controversial things then that could be reported as "blah blah blah employee believes the earth is flat and covid was faked". That can be seen as bringing a company name into disrepute because of the association and that is enough to see someone sacked. It can be the same as going to the pub wearing something with the company logo or perhaps on a work night out and something happening that someone complaints to your work about. You are not on company time but in those circumstances can be seen as representing the company.

Where it seems that people need to be really careful is wording used about anyone of a different race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. What is seen as appropriate phrases today changes tomorrow and I've seen people who firmly believe in being open and accepting of everyone trying to put that message across but being picked up as a racist homophobic because they have used the wrong phrasing.
 
In order to get a decent redundancy, a 18 month hiatus from working for a similar business and my MBA fees waived I had to sign a lifetime NDA.
Just admitting I have the DNA has broken it.
Doubt after all this time anyone would figure out who I am in the real world but I wouldn’t risk it.
 
Wait until they find out what you and your mates do when a black lad walks into a pub you’re in.
My boss once went to a fancy dress painted black with a grass skirt and a bone through his nose.
All the more reason to stay anonymous on here and sometimes it is difficult when engaged in a chat. I've talked about my work, but only hinted at what and where. There have been times I've wanted to share some stuff such as Flickr pictures or just throw something daft up in my webspace but have not because it links directly to me. I think if someone went through all my posts they could work out who I am, but it would be a bit of guess work and a lot of effort for very little gain. I think the only thing that would stand out on here is that I don't think I'd be employable by the government or a related government agency, given that I'm quite open about my feelings on them.

But if someone is on Linked in or Facebook where it is not anonymous and often links directly to their work, and says controversial things then that could be reported as "blah blah blah employee believes the earth is flat and covid was faked". That can be seen as bringing a company name into disrepute because of the association and that is enough to see someone sacked. It can be the same as going to the pub wearing something with the company logo or perhaps on a work night out and something happening that someone complaints to your work about. You are not on company time but in those circumstances can be seen as representing the company.

Where it seems that people need to be really careful is wording used about anyone of a different race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. What is seen as appropriate phrases today changes tomorrow and I've seen people who firmly believe in being open and accepting of everyone trying to put that message across but being picked up as a racist homophobic because they have used the wrong phrasing.
Which is why I asked @Roger how secure this place is.
 
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When i was a gaffer about 10 years ago I’d go on late shift and literally have nothing to do..i was always on here or Facebook or e bay..it was eventually mentioned in passing about the time i was spending on the internet..had no idea i was being watched.
If you’re using works equipment or Wi-Fi it’s always recorded and a lot of places have key word alerts. My advice is never use works gear for personal use no matter how innocent. ‘Reasonable personal use’ can be a bit ambiguous
 
I understand that employers can sweep your online content for unpalatable views, but can you be sacked for them in the UK, even if they’re unrelated to the company?
We’ve been told to watch what we post in case people think they are the views of the company.
However my social media doesn’t reference the company in any way, so how could they make that case against you?
Also, what about the smb? As it’s anonymous, is there any (legal) way employers can link content on here to you?
@Roger

If you are using their computers or networks they can potentially see everything you do. If its your own hardware/networks they would have to work it out from what you have posted. Obviously once they identify a user its easy to search for everything you have ever posted.
General policy man

Left the smb open and it clocked up 600 hits by refreshing itself. Got told off for that.

But nothing on here auto refreshes so that makes no sense.
 
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If you are using their computers or networks they can potentially see everything you do. If its your own hardware/networks they would have to work it out from what you have posted. Obviously once they identify a user its easy to search for everything you have ever posted.
This could be tremendous.
 
If you are using their computers or networks they can potentially see everything you do. If its your own hardware/networks they would have to work it out from what you have posted. Obviously once they identify a user its easy to search for everything you have ever posted.
We’re protected under GDPR though? So an employer couldn’t find out who we are by contacting you with a username? Just curious…
 
We’re protected under GDPR though? So an employer couldn’t find out who we are by contacting you with a username? Just curious…

Correct, not without a court order which obviously they would never get in normal circumstances. I couldn’t even find out the name of most people on here anyway as we don’t collect that at signup, only an email address.
 
Correct, not without a court order which obviously they would never get in normal circumstances. I couldn’t even find out the name of most people on here anyway as we don’t collect that at signup, only an email address.
As expected. Was so long ago I completely forget what the signup asks for.

There’s your answer Herboid.
 

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