MySpace vs. Workplace

As a leader, you come across all sorts of information about people in your organization - team members all. Office gossip machine has always been a very strong - and, might I say reliable - source of information on co-workers. Now, getting this information is easier than ever before. Literally, it is out there. You might not even be looking for it, yet stumble upon it. People live on the internet and the internet is open to all. Some of the information you get about your team members might not agree with your views, ideas preferences - social or political. Some of them might be offensive to you. Some of it might not fit with the culture of the organization or the one you are trying to foster. Do you use this information to make an employment decision about an employee? Do you provide them an opportunity to explain? What are the legal implications of this?