Social networking 'could affect future employment'

Internet blogs risk leaving a permanent electronic footprint which could be seen by future employers, the UK's privacy watchdog warned today.

Many young people post content on social networking sites and online blogs which could embarrass them at a later date, according to the UK's Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

The warning follows an ICO survey which found 60% of 14 to 21-year-olds did not realise their online details could be accessed years into the future.

Seven in 10 young people questioned did not like the idea of potential universities or employers seeing their current social networking site content.

One third of the 2,000 youngsters questioned never read the privacy policies on social networking sites.

ICO deputy commissioner David Smith said: “Many young people are posting content online without thinking about the electronic footprint they leave behind.

“The cost to a person’s future can be very high if something undesirable is found by the increasing number of educational institutions and employers using the internet as a tool to vet potential students or employees.”

The ICO has launched a new online guide at www.ico.gov.uk/youngpeople with tips about protecting online identity.

Its findings were based on a survey of 2,000 14 to 21-year-olds carried out in October by market researchers Dubit.

The ICO is an independent body which polices Britain's Data Protection Act.