Can a company legally require all employees to have asocial networkingaccount and be friends with the company, in a non-internet based business?
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Can a company legally require all employees to have asocial networkingaccount and be friends with the company, in a non-internet based business?
My company wants to institute a policy in where everyone in the corporation has to have a Facebook account and must be friends with the company. You have to have your profile on public and the company requires that you promote the club at least three times a day not on company time. This is a new policy they want to apply to a large chain. If you don’t sign and comply, you are terminated. You cannot create a new account for work. Is there any law ruling against being able to keep your private life separate from work in the social media realm?
Asked on February 28, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Nevada
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Yes, your employer can do this, unless you have an employment contract or union agreement to the contrary, or there is some form of form of workplace discrimination is involved. The fact is that most employment relationships are "at will". Accordingly your employer can pretty much require whatever it wants. It can hire or fire you for any reason or no reason whatsoever, as well has increase/decrease salary/hours, promote/demote, and generally impose requirements as it sees fit (this includes opening up an account with Facebook). You in turn can continue to work for your employer or not, your choice.
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