Can my Google history, Facebook activity, and Stackexchange Q&A be used for state permit/license background checks?

Asked Jul 07 '22 at 17:33

Active Jul 07 '22 at 17:39

Viewed 55 times

This is a follow-up for Could there be consequences for Googling how to do something that is normally a crime?

The state often conducts background checks for various reasons. For example, CA conducts background checks for certain permits and licenses, for example for a firearm purchase. Can the state use my social media activity as a part of that background check?

edited Jul 07 '22 at 17:39

BlueDogRanch

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asked Jul 07 '22 at 17:33

Michael

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Does this answer your question? Is there any protection regarding social media accounts and background checks? – BlueDogRanch Jul 07 '22 at 17:39
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@BlueDogRanch, the question is very similar indeed. Unfortunately the answers are about the employers' use of social media account for background checks, not the states doing the same for issuing permits & licenses. – Michael Jul 07 '22 at 19:18
If it is public, it is legal – Mark Rosenblitt-Janssen Jul 07 '22 at 21:38
The linked question seems to ask about the sue of such posts by a private emloyer, not by a government agency. Rules for government are often soemewhat different, hence I think this is not a duplicate. – David Siegel Jul 08 '22 at 14:06
@MarkRosenblitt-Janssen Not broadly. If a private employer, in conducting a background check, checked your Facebook profile and found that you had a 1-year old child and therefore refused to hire you, that would be illegal in many jurisdictions that ban employment discrimination based on familial status. – A. R. Aug 21 '23 at 20:59

Can my Google history, Facebook activity, and Stackexchange Q&A be used for state permit/license background checks?

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