Employers use your personal data to figure out the lowest salary you'll accept (marketwatch.com)

Article summary

The article discusses how employers use personal data to determine the lowest salary a job candidate will accept, with some comments suggesting that companies like Equifax collect and sell salary information to employers. This practice raises concerns about privacy and potential discrimination. Some commenters shared their experiences with opting out of data collection, which often requires providing additional personal information. The discussion highlights the complexity of data privacy and its implications for employment and finance.

Main themes

• Data privacy
• Employment discrimination
• Salary transparency
• Credit reporting
• Financial regulation
• Labor rights

What commenters say

• Employers' use of personal data to determine salary offers is a violation of privacy and can lead to discrimination.
• The process of opting out of data collection is often cumbersome and requires providing additional sensitive information, which can be counterintuitive.
• Some argue that the market already accounts for salary negotiations and that employers' access to salary data does not significantly impact the outcome.
• The use of AI and data analytics in hiring processes can enable discriminatory practices, such as targeting certain demographics or characteristics.
• The lack of transparency and regulation in the credit reporting industry contributes to the exploitation of personal data for profit.
• Employees have a right to discuss their salaries and working conditions, and contracts that prohibit this are unenforceable.
• The difference in data protection regulations between the US and Europe is notable, with some European countries having stricter laws and greater transparency.
• The power dynamic in salary negotiations can be skewed when one party has access to more information, leading to unfair outcomes.