BERLIN – Ever thought twice about posting a party picture on Facebook, fearing it could someday hurt your chance at a dream job?
A draft German law is supposed to solve the problem by making it illegal for prospective employers to spy on applicants’ private postings.
The draft law on employee data security presented by Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere on Wednesday is the government’s latest attempt to address privacy concerns about online services including social networks and Google “Street View”.
It is also a reaction to corporations checking on employee e-mails and filming sales clerks during coffee breaks – which has triggered public outrage in Germany.
De Maiziere acknowledged that some of the new regulations – which have yet to be discussed and passed by parliament – might be complicated to enact.