It's one of the most popular social media sites, and now reports are surfacing of employers taking steps to see what exactly their employees or potential employees are doing on Facebook. YNN's Kaitlyn Lionti has more on what some call an invasion of privacy and what Facebook officials say about users' rights.
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- People put thoughts, photos, videos and more on display on Facebook.
But what if an employer asked for your password?
"I would ask why, I think. I just don't see the point. I mean, it'd be like asking for my diary," said Nicole Trieste of Rochester.
"It would really make me think twice about the employer," said Allison Walker of Boston, Massachusetts.
"I would not be willing to give that information out," said Derek Heckler of Buffalo.
And those at Facebook say you shouldn't.
Facebook's Chief Privacy Officer Erin Egan posted to the site's Facebook and Privacy page Friday saying in recent months, they've seen a quote "distressing increase in reports of employers or others seeking to gain inappropriate access to people's Facebook profiles or private information."
Egan says the most alarming are reports of employers asking employees or prospective hires for their passwords.
The post goes on to say "If you are a Facebook user, you should never have to share your password, let anyone access your account, or do anything that might jeopardize the security of your account or violate the privacy of your friends."
"You would never ask somebody, 'Hey, let me see your purse. Can I go through your wallet? Do you mind if we just go through your bedroom and see what you're all about?'" said Kevin Evanetski, founder of Social Yeah.
Evanetski is a social media strategist who helps businesses use sites like Facebook.
He says he hasn't come across any companies seeking people's passwords, and he wouldn't advise it.
"You really want the responsibility of having all that information? Cause we're in a world where people like to sue, and I wouldn't want to open up that can of worms," said Evanetski.
That's one of the points sited in Egan's post.
She gives an example that "If an employer sees on Facebook that someone is a member of a protected group (e.g. over a certain age, etc.) that employer may open themselves up to claims of discrimination if they don't hire that person."
And while he doesn't think people should share their passwords, Evanetski says it is important to consider what you put out in the social media world.
"Just treat text massaging and treat Facebooking and Twitter like you were talking to your parents," he said.
Egan says Facebook will take action to protect the privacy and security of its users including initiating legal action, if appropriate.
Read Egan's post