Table Of Contents
Uncovering The Truth: How Search History Impacts Background Checks
Last Updated on: October 17th, 2024
Have you ever wondered: do background checks show internet history? And if so, what does it mean?
Our search history leaves a trail of data that can be accessed by a variety of entities, including potential employers, landlords, and even law enforcement. While this data can be used to verify our qualifications and build a more complete picture of our backgrounds, it can also be used to discriminate against us or make assumptions about us that are not accurate.
You may have seen police procedurals and movies where background searches come up as a part of solving crimes and wondered, “Do police background checks look at internet history when I apply for a job?”
In this article, we’ll finally answer whether or not search history shows up on a background check.
Do Background Checks Show Internet History? Here’S Why We’Re Worried
There’s a good reason to be concerned. One of the biggest concerns about the use of search history in background checks is the potential for bias. Search engines can be biased in a number of ways, reflecting the biases of the people who create them and the algorithms that they use.
This means that people from certain racial, ethnic, and religious groups may be more likely to have their search history flagged in a background check, even if their search history is not indicative of any wrongdoing.
Another concern is the potential for privacy violations. Search engines collect a vast amount of data about our online activity, including the terms we search for, the websites we visit, and the links we click on. This data can be very revealing, and it can be used to make inferences about our personal lives, our political beliefs, and our mental health. When this data is shared with third-party companies, there is a risk that it could be misused or abused.
Why Background Checks Show Search History
Despite these concerns, there are a number of reasons why employers and other entities may choose to use search history in background checks. Search history can provide insights into a person’s skills, knowledge, and interests. It can also be used to identify potential red flags, such as a history of violence or criminal activity. Additionally, search history can be used to verify information that a person has provided on their resume or job application.
Here are some specific examples of how search history can impact background checks:
- Employment: Employers may use search history to screen potential employees for a variety of reasons. For example, an employer may search for terms related to drug use, violence, or illegal activity. They may also search for terms related to the specific skills and experience that are required for the job.
- Housing: Landlords may use search history to screen potential tenants for a variety of reasons. For example, a landlord may search for terms related to evictions, bankruptcies, or criminal activity. They may also search for terms related to the type of housing that the applicant is seeking.
- Criminal justice: Law enforcement may use search history to investigate crimes or to track down suspects. For example, law enforcement may search for terms related to a particular crime or to identify people who have expressed an interest in committing a crime.
It is important to note that the use of search history in background checks is not always legal or ethical. In some cases, employers and landlords may be violating anti-discrimination laws by using search history to screen out applicants. Law enforcement may need a warrant to access a person’s search history.
What To Do If You Are Concerned That Your Background Check Shows Browsing History
Individuals who are concerned about the potential impact of their search history on their background checks can take a number of steps to protect themselves. First, they should be mindful of the terms that they search for and the websites that they visit. They should also avoid sharing personal information online. They can use privacy-enhancing tools, such as a VPN or a private browser, to make it more difficult for third-party companies to track their online activity.
Be mindful of your online activity. Avoid searching for terms or visiting websites that could be seen as negative and be honest on your resume and job application. Do not lie about your skills, experience, or education.
You should also be prepared to answer questions about your online activity. If you are asked about your search history during a background check, be honest and upfront about it. That way, it won’t matter if your background checks show internet history. You won’t have anything to hide.
Read Also:
