Data protection / Facebook

[ronnie_07]

Does anyone know how if my emplyer can do this?
I made comments on my ( private ) facebook account re a decision that had been made in the workplace. I didnt actually quote my employers company name.
They have gained access to my private set account ( must have been through a friend on my profile) and have suspended me due to breech of code of conduct. I,m looking at disciplinary action or potential dismissal.
Is what they have done breech of Data protection or privacy policy as I have only allowed a select few to view my account. I am hoping they cannot use this evidence as I havent agreed anyone else to access my secure facebook profile? The companies code of conduct isnt social network specific.
Please help - any advice would be gratefully recieved as I'm so worried .
Thanks all.

[Ethel]

Data protection laws apply to information a company holds about you, not your Facebook and its contents, so your company hasn't breached any laws by looking at your site.

You are not the first to be facing disciplinary procedures over this matter:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7703129.stm
http://www.ceridian.co.uk/hr/content/1,4099,45 9-289,00.html
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Work ers-sacked-Facebook/article-553564-detail/arti cle.html

[Twenty20]

If you do a search on Google you'll find a number of instances where employees have been sacked because of what they wrote about their employers on social media sites.

Also, many employers will check your Facebook page before offering you a job. You can often find out more about a person that way than at interview.

If you publish something (which is what you've done), whether in print or online, you are responsible for what you write. It's no defence to claim afterwards that you didn't want a particular person or company to see it.