The Social Media implications on Employment

The meteoric rise in popularity of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn has truly changed almost every aspect of daily human life. In this regard, the workplace is no exception and social media use at the office has brought about a number of legal questions, turning this area into a truly legal minefield. This book first analyses the data protection and privacy issues related to social media vetting conducted in the recruitment process. This study then analyses the social media repercussions arising through use at the workplace, with this including a discussion on the monitoring of employee internet use during office hours. The book also proceeds to evaluate the instances where employee social media behaviour can lead to vicarious liability on the employer, with a particular emphasis being made on libel and sexual harassment cases. The author also evaluates the vague legal framework regulating the disputed ownership of social media accounts and contacts. Lastly, this thesis also conducts a study of the principles applicable in unfair dismissal related to the social media, as well as human rights considerations which should be kept in mind.