Social Media Screening in the Workplace: Hiring Risks and Compliance

In this episode, Miller Johnson employment attorneys Rebecca Strauss and Sarah Willey discuss whether employers should review job candidates' and employees' social media activity, the legal risks involved, and practical steps HR professionals can take to minimize exposure while making informed employment decisions. As social media screening becomes more common and AI-powered tools make searches faster and easier, employers are increasingly weighing the benefits of identifying potential red flags against concerns involving discrimination, privacy, compliance, and bias. Rebecca and Sarah break down what organizations need to consider before incorporating social media reviews into hiring or employment decisions. Tune in as we explore: How social media searches can create discrimination and protected-class concerns Privacy considerations, notice requirements, and state law compliance issues Risks associated with AI-powered social media screening and why human review remains critical Whether you're considering social media reviews for applicants, evaluating screening vendors, or updating hiring practices, this episode provides practical guidance for navigating this increasingly common HR challenge. Note: This episode provides general information only and is not legal advice.