A background check is a process in which the specifics of an individual's past are revealed for the purposes of employment, obtaining access to classified information, or obtaining restricted items.
They are conducted to confirm information found on an employment application or r?sum?. They may also be done as a way to differentiate potential employees and pick the best suited for the position.

In the United States, the Brady Bill requires criminal background checks for those purchasing handguns from firearms dealers.

MySpace allows registering users to be as young as 14. Profiles with ages set to 15 or less are automatically private. Users whose ages are set at 16 or over can't restrict their profiles. Viewing the full profile of or messaging someone under the age of 16 is restricted to their direct MySpace friends.

Despite the privacy of young persons' profiles, some consider there still to be a risk. It is possible that some may compromise their security and privacy by posting information such as their home address, phone number, or last name due to their lack of experience.