Is Glassdoor illegal?

Answered by Randy McIntyre

Glassdoor is a popular website where employees can anonymously post reviews and ratings about their employers, including their opinions about the company, workplace environment, and senior management. The question of whether Glassdoor is illegal depends on the content of the reviews and the laws of the specific jurisdiction.

In general, posting your opinion about your company on Glassdoor is legal and protected under freedom of speech rights in many countries, including the United States. Employees have the right to express their opinions and experiences, as long as they do not engage in defamation, slander, or disclose confidential or proprietary information.

However, it is important to note that laws regarding freedom of speech vary in different countries, and some jurisdictions may have stricter regulations on what can be posted online. It is always advisable to familiarize yourself with the laws of your own country or region to ensure that you are within legal boundaries when posting on Glassdoor or any other platform.

While Glassdoor reviews are generally protected under freedom of speech, there are some exceptions. For example, if an employee knowingly makes false statements with the intent to harm the reputation of the company or individuals, it could potentially lead to legal consequences. Defamatory statements or false claims that cause harm to a company’s reputation or individuals’ livelihood may be subject to legal action.

It is important to remember that even though Glassdoor allows for anonymous posting, it does not grant absolute protection from legal repercussions. If a company believes that a review is defamatory or contains false information, they may choose to take legal action to protect their reputation.

Posting your opinion about your company, workplace environment, and senior management on Glassdoor is generally legal and protected under freedom of speech rights in many countries. However, it is essential to be aware of the laws in your jurisdiction and to exercise caution when sharing information or making statements that could potentially be defamatory or false.