Background checks are a common practice these days, especially for job applicants and people who want to rent a home or apartment. One question that often arises is whether background checks search your internet history. In this article, we’ll explore the topic in detail and provide you with a comprehensive answer.

What are Background Checks?

Background checks are a type of investigation that is used to gather information about an individual’s criminal record, employment history, education, and other personal information. The purpose of background checks is to verify the information provided by the individual and to ensure that they do not pose a risk to the employer, landlord, or other entities that may be impacted by their actions. 

A background check typically includes a range of information that can vary depending on the purpose and scope of the check. However, here are some common items that might show up on a background check:

• Criminal records. This can include convictions, arrests, and charges.

• Employment history: past employers, job titles, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving.

• Education history: degrees earned, dates of attendance, and the institutions attended.

• Credit history: information on loans, credit cards, bankruptcies, and other financial information.

• Driving records: this can include information about traffic violations, accidents, and license suspensions.

• Professional licenses and certifications: information on licenses and certifications related to the job or industry in question.

• Social media and online activity. Some background checks may also include a review of a person’s online presence, including social media profiles, to determine if they have engaged in any behavior that might be of concern.

However, not all background checks will include all of these items, and some checks may include additional information based on the specific needs of the employer or organization requesting the check.

History of Background Checks

Background checks have a long history in the United States. They became more prevalent in the 1970s and 1980s when concerns about workplace violence and negligent hiring practices emerged. As a result, the federal government passed laws that required certain employers to conduct background checks on their employees, including those who work with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities. Over time, background checks have become more common and are now required for a variety of jobs and purposes.

Do Background Checks Search Your Internet History?

The Internet often helps us to find people fast. But whether a background check searches a person’s internet history can depend on several factors, including the type of background check being conducted, the company or organization conducting the check, and the laws and regulations in the relevant jurisdiction.

In general, a typical background check is unlikely to include a search of a person’s internet browsing history. This is because internet search history is typically protected by privacy laws, and accessing it would require a court order or explicit consent from the individual being checked. Moreover, collecting and reviewing internet search history would be a time-consuming and expensive process, and it might not be relevant to the purpose of the background check.

However, some specialized background checks, particularly those related to security clearances or government employment, may include a review of a person’s internet activity and social media profiles. In these cases, the purpose of the check is typically to assess a person’s potential security risks or suitability for a particular job, and the check may involve a more in-depth investigation of the person’s online presence.

It’s important to know that even in cases where internet history is reviewed, there are limits to what can be legally accessed and how that information can be used. For example, employers or organizations conducting background checks are generally prohibited from discriminating against candidates based on certain protected characteristics, such as race, gender, or religion. Additionally, candidates may have the right to dispute and correct any inaccurate information found during a background check.

Besides, there are some legal limitations to what can be searched in a background check. For example, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulates the types of information that can be included in a background check report. Additionally, some states have their own laws that limit what can be searched in a background check.

In conclusion, while most background checks do not search your internet history, it’s important to be aware of the types of information that can be included in a background check report. If you have concerns about what might show up in a background check, it’s always a good idea to talk to a legal professional or HR representative who can provide you with more information.