
Can Background Checks See Your Search History?
A frequently asked question by prospective clients looking for a new background screening provider is, “Can background checks see your search history?” This is particularly pertinent for those in need of a service that is not only comprehensive, fast, and affordable but also compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and both state and local laws. Understanding the scope and limitations of what background checks can legally access is crucial for maintaining privacy and adhering to legal standards.
The Role of Background Checks for Employers
Background checks serve critical functions in the hiring process, providing several key benefits to employers:
- Risk Mitigation: Employers who conduct thorough background checks can significantly reduce the risk of negligent hiring, which has been shown to result in costly legal challenges and settlements.
- Quality of Hire: Accurate verification of a candidate’s background helps ensure that qualifications and past conduct are in line with job requirements, which can improve employee retention and job performance.
- Safety and Compliance: Background checks help ensure that new hires do not have histories that could endanger other employees or the public, thereby maintaining workplace safety and compliance with industry regulations.
How Background Checks Work
Background checks are comprehensive processes designed to gather a variety of relevant information:
- Social Security Trace: This step verifies an individual’s identity and outlines their address history, guiding the direction of subsequent checks.
- Public and Private Records: Background checks can include checks against criminal records, civil records, credit histories, driving records, as well as education and employment verification, depending on the nature of the job.
- Scope of the Check: Typically, checks cover records from the past seven to ten years to comply with FCRA guidelines. However, this can vary based on specific state laws.
- Results: The results typically feature criminal records, verification of education and employment histories, credit histories, and potentially other relevant public records.
Internet Search History and Social Media Checks
When it comes to internet search history and social media:
- Search History Privacy: A common misconception is that background checks can access private digital footprints such as search history. However, background checks do not access private internet search histories, as these are considered private information protected under various privacy laws.
- Social Media Checks: Social media checks are becoming more common and can include an examination of publicly available profiles and posts. However, these checks are limited to what is publicly visible; private accounts and posts shielded by privacy settings are not accessible without the individual’s consent.
- Legal Boundaries: It is important to note that employers cannot request login information to access a candidate’s private social media content as part of a background check.
Conclusion
In conclusion, background checks do not include access to private online search histories. They are restricted to publicly available information and records that are pertinent to the employment process. For companies looking for a reliable and legally compliant background screening service, EDIFY Background Screening offers comprehensive, efficient, and affordable solutions. We encourage businesses to partner with a qualified consumer reporting agency like EDIFY to ensure thorough, respectful, and law-abiding background investigations. Visit our website or contact us directly for more information on how we can assist you in making safer and more informed hiring decisions.