The Times Herald-Record is reporting that legal battles may be brewing for employers in light of the crackdown on social media.  This week, a judge for the National Labor Relations Board will be determining whether a transportation company violated laws after firing a worker when she criticized her employer on a social media site. The case represents but one example of new challenges posed by employers arising out of social media use.  As the Time Herald-Record reports, the pitfalls are as widespread as they are deep: could companies be subject to a sexual harrassment suit if a manager repeatedly tries to “friend” an employee on Facebook? What about hiring decisions made after an employer learns of a candidate’s race or religious beliefs on Twitter? To what extent can the personal lives (and photos of those activities) belonging to employees be used to demote, or result in adverse employment actions against them?  More…

Fast Company is reporting that Google and Mozilla, facing pressure from the FTC, are introducing features to their Web browsers (Chrome and Firefox) that will opt-out of Internet “tracking” mechanisms. Users will apparently have the option to stop personalized advertisements that follow a user’s Web surfing habits. More…

The Tribune Star is reporting that some legislators are using social media sites to give constituents updates live from the assembly floor. The story reports on the activities of Indiana State Senator Randy Head who recently used Facebook to provide an explanation of legislation designed for financially strapped cities as the testimony was being presented. “It makes you your own little news bureau,” said Head, who held a virtual town hall meeting on Facebook last February. Head is not alone. The Tribune Star also reports that Indiana State Rep. Terri Austin has similarly increased her Facebook use during the campaign season last fall, and now uses it to communicate with constituents regarding issues facing the Indiana General Assembly. Austin commented that she received posts from teachers all around the state on the night of Gov. Mitch Daniels’ State of the State speech.

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