Law would make private web postings and covert video surveillance off-limits to employers
Germany is considering a new law to protect employee privacy, one that would prevent employers from using job candidates' private Facebook pages as part of the selection process.
The law would make it illegal for employers to ask to "friend" potential employees on Facebook for the purposes of checking on the job applicants' private information.
However, potential employers could consider any public online postings.
The law, which parliament still has to vote on, would also prevent covert video surveillance at work, except in public spaces such as supermarkets.
Employers would be able to install cameras as long as employees have been made aware of them, but they cannot be installed in private spaces such as washrooms or locker rooms.
