The age of Big Brother is truly upon us.

Last week the Federal Trade Commission approved a company called Social Intelligence, which touts itself as a modern way for firms to screen potential employees.

The company uses deep searches to provide a thorough background check, unearthing blog posts, photos, and any uploads to social media sites along the way. Then, like a credit reporting bureau, it keeps that information on file for seven years.

Social Intelligence COO Geoffrey Andrews told Forbes this is done to "maintain a verifiable chain-of-custody in case the information is ever needed for legal reasons. We are not however building a 'database' on individuals."

Uh-huh. Somewhere right now, George Orwell is saying "I told you so."

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