FAQs - Social Media Screening

Applicant Questions:

1. If someone tags me in a post that has profanity, nudity, weapons, etc., will that show up when my social media profiles are searched? No, by default, we will analyze all post types, including original posts, replies/comments, reposts/shares, and likes. The company/client can modify these options as well.
2. How do I get a copy of my results? You will need to contact clientservices@verifiedfirst.com to request a copy of your social media report.
3. My profile is private; will my employer still be able to see anything? No, if your account is private, the company requesting it will not be able to see any details of your page.

Client Questions:

1. How much does it cost? The cost of the product varies. Please contact Client Services for pricing.
2. What is the turnaround time? Typically, it can take around 2 days, but will vary depending on how many profiles and flagged posts
3. What is searched? Profiles are scanned for certain types of “behaviors.” This includes things like nudity, politics, and discrimination. Each profile is searched with the same set of behaviors to ensure there is no bias from one person to the next. See behavior categories here.
4. How will I see the results? It will be attached to the file in the portal.
5. How do I place an order? The product is listed under the Tools category. You will select it as you would with any other product. As of today, Social Media searches cannot be ordered with Quest Drug Screening products to avoid searches being scanned on users’ emails and not the applicant’s.
6. How do I get my settings changed if I want to add/remove any of the behavior categories? Contact Client Services if you want to adjust your Social Media screening settings.
7. What are the descriptions of the behavioral attributes? For more information, please visit: Understanding Behavioral Attributes | Ferretly Help Center
8. How far back are profiles searched? Public posts are searched back 7 years in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) guidelines.
9. Can we go farther back than 7 years like we do for criminal searches? No, FCRA only allows for reporting of adverse information (outside of criminal convictions) for 7 years only. If you want to search for less than 7 years, then that setting can be changed by contacting Client Services.
10. Can I make a hiring decision based on a social media search alone? We do not provide legal advice on whether you should or should not hire someone based solely on their social media report. The decision is entirely up to your organization.
11. If a profile is private, would a profile picture still get flagged if it fell under one of the behavior categories? No, profile pictures are never flagged or analyzed but will show up on the report on the social media profiles page.
12. Do you have more detailed examples of what each of the behavior categories mean? For more information, please visit: Understanding Behavioral Attributes | Ferretly Help Center
13. Are there any state or local regulations when it comes to Social Media searches? Yes, each state has different rules and regulations. It is up to you and your organization to consult legal counsel and ensure you are in compliance with all laws.
14. Why do I have to sign a new MSA? The most recent version of our MSA includes language about Verified First and the end user conducting social media searches. The language is located under Section 3c:
    As a condition of entering into this Agreement, End-User certifies that it will comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws including but not limited to the FCRA and state law equivalents. Company will only keep information it provides to End-User for the lesser of two (2) years or as required by applicable law. End-User certifies that it will retain information it receives from Company in accordance with applicable law and will make such information available to Company upon request. In addition, End-User agrees to abide by all state and local “Ban the Box” and other fair chance laws and ordinances, and certifies that it will not conduct a criminal history background check until after conditional offer of employment has been provided, if required by applicable law. If End User requests and receives a consumer report that contains social media information, End-User certifies that it will not make any decision based on a grade, score, or other notation about the social media information, but will look at the context of all reported information and will follow applicable laws on the use of social media information.
15. Which social media platforms do you search: Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, Linkedin, Reddit, TikTok, and Pinterest.