A: Asking your internal staff to conduct Social Media Background Checks is risky, since all needs to be in compliance with a long list of federal and state law.  For example, if more time is inadvertently spent investigating one protected group over another – this could be a problem. Or if public posts or photos reveal certain other information “the bell cannot be unrung” and this could lead to claims of hiring discrimination.  Reports from a third party generally insulate your firm  or institution from these problems.