May an employer google me before hiring?
Public info yes, provided transparent + work-relevant. No covert social media screening. See also <a href="/privacycheck/mag-dit/mag-werkgever-googelen-sollicitant/en">employer-google-applicant</a>.
See also our article employer-google-applicant. Core: Dutch NVP Application Code + GDPR allow public-info use PROVIDED: (a) transparent disclosure in job posting or confirmation email, (b) only work-relevant, (c) applicant has right to access of found info (GDPR Art. 15). What is allowed? Google search on name, LinkedIn profile, personal website. Public social media posts. What is NOT? Logging into fake account to see hidden posts. Looking for special data (Art. 9 religion, health, ethnicity). Family data. For function-irrelevant matters (hobby, partner). Burden of proof: on rejection with indirect discrimination suspicion the burden shifts to employer (AWGB Art. 10). They must show info was NOT the deciding factor. For applicant: set social media to "friends only", make LinkedIn work-relevant, don't give away information in public publications that can be used discriminatorily. On suspected discrimination: NL Institute for Human Rights + GDPR Art. 15 request.
Sources
🔎 Common search variants
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- “employer google applicant”
- “social media check applicant netherlands”