Is it legal to use Facebook as a background check?

Today, a background screening can be more detailed than investigating someone's educational, work and criminal history, Business News reports. Social media pages have helped business leaders' decision making when contemplating an individual's hire or promotion. Many employers weigh the morality of basing personnel decisions on information made available through social media, however, the laws specifically regarding this issue are clear. It is illegal to discriminate against an individual based on their suggested race, age, gender and sexual orientation regardless of the source from which this information may be gleaned. Mainly, civil rights protect social media, but social media isn't given any special treatment. Business leaders have a job to create an environment of professionalism. Although it isn't suggested that they voluntarily seek the social media pages of their employees, if an issue does come into fruition from that outlet, the company has every right to address it internally. The actions of employees outside the office reflect the company they work for. With this in mind, employees should be careful what they choose to display to social networks.