In the News
How HR Departments Could Use Blockchain Technology for Background Checks
Blockchain, a technology involving “chains” of unalterable ledgers, was invented in 2008 for use in managing the cryptocurrency, Bitcoin. Essentially, blockchain is a continuously growing list of records, called blocks, which are linked and secured using cryptography. It’s managed by a peer-to-peer network that adheres to protocols for communication and validation of new blocks. It’s…
Read MoreJudge’s Ruling on Criminal Background Checks in Texas Muddles Hiring Compliance
In 2012, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) under the Obama administration began advising employers to use criminal background checks during job screenings only when the inquiry is directly job-related or necessary for the business. Issued in the form of guidance, the EEOC clarification described employer policies that may violate Title VII of the…
Read MoreNew California Labor Law Affects Employee Criminal Background Checks
Last year, the State of California passed a series of labor and employment bills that affect state labor and hiring practices. These laws, which were signed by Governor Jerry Brown and went into effect on January 1, 2018, relate to (among other things) workers’ wages and hours, leaves of absence and benefits, hiring practices, health…
Read MoreUber Settles Class-Action Lawsuit over Background Checks
A class-action lawsuit disputing Uber’s claims that the background checks it conducts on its drivers are “industry-leading” has been settled. The company has agreed to pay a total of $28.5 million to about 25 million riders across the country and to reword the language related to a fee. The settlement was filed on February 11…
Read MorePresident Obama Issues Executive Orders to Expand Gun Background Checks
President Obama announced a series of executive actions last week that are intended to make it harder for criminals and people with a history of mental illness to buy guns. The actions are controversial, earning praise from gun control advocates and criticism from many Republicans and gun owners. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and…
Read MoreGovernment to Increase Oversight of Background Check Industry in 2016
Government oversight of the background check industry is expected to increase in 2016. Federal agencies such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will increase emphasis on accuracy in background checks, especially related to criminal records. Regulators, legislators, and advocacy groups are concerned about false positives, in which a criminal record is reported without sufficient indicators…
Read MoreCan Employers Look at Applicants’ and Employees’ Social Media Accounts?
Some employers have asked job applicants to provide them with social media passwords or to make their posts accessible to them as a condition of the hiring process. Many job applicants have fought back, and some lawmakers have taken action to prohibit the practice. Maine recently passed a law that prohibits employers from requiring employees…
Read MoreA Vote Against Background Checks
Earlier this year, one state discovered how lawmakers can impact the role and impact of background games. Colorado senators rejected a plan that would have led to the nation’s first requirement for criminal background checks for people who work with youth sports organizations. The defeated bill would have been set up to prevent convicted sex…
Read MoreHome Care & Background Checks
There is hope that a new law in one state will help protect seniors from the unregulated areas of the home health care industry. The new law in Arizona requires non-medical in-home caregiver agencies to disclose information to consumers about background checks, training, cost of service and hiring and firing policies. This supply of information…
Read MoreFoster Parents and Background Checks
We are looking at another example of the wide-ranging impact of background checks. This time it involves Native American children who are waiting for foster parents. The pool of eligible parents will be subject to background checks. It’s the result of the Native American Children’s Safety Act passed through Congress in June. The bill requires…
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