Social media profiles now part of hiring in Paraguay, experts warn of ethical limits

In Paraguay, social media has transitioned from a personal space to a significant factor in job selection. Companies are now scrutinizing platforms like Instagram, X, and Facebook, where posts, comments, and photos can influence hiring outcomes, either positively or negatively. This practice is becoming more prevalent amid the rise of AI in recruitment and the increasing digitalization of the job market.

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The challenge is to use this information with criteria.

While Paraguayan law does not explicitly forbid employers from reviewing public social media profiles, specialists emphasize legal and ethical boundaries. The Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security notes that while the Constitution and Labor Code prohibit discrimination based on religion, political opinion, sex, social status, or union affiliation, the use of information obtained from social media must not be arbitrary or discriminatory. Information should only be evaluated if it directly relates to the objective requirements and competencies of the position.

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Today LinkedIn is the main source of professional validation, but in Paraguay Facebook and Instagram still have weight in the candidate's reputational perception.

Mirian Schmied, a talent management specialist, confirms that checking public social media information is legal in Paraguay as long as fundamental rights are not violated. She notes that while LinkedIn is the primary professional validation source, Facebook and Instagram still significantly impact a candidate's reputation. The key challenge for companies, Schmied advises, is to use this information judiciously, avoiding subjective or invasive judgments. The focus must remain on professional competencies, ethical behavior, or institutional reputation. Reviewing irrelevant personal aspects like beliefs, private life, or personal orientation could infringe upon an individual's rights.

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Only aspects directly related to the competencies and objective requirements of the position should be evaluated.