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February 1st, 2013, 09:59 GMT · By

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Employee “Hacks” HMV’s Twitter Account in Protest Against Layoffs (Updated)

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Tweets posted by unhappy HMV employee (click to see more) Enlarge picture - Tweets posted by unhappy HMV employee (click to see more)
HMV Group has been forced to axe 190 jobs earlier this week. One of the employees laid off by the British electronics retailer decided to protest against the “mass execution” by hacking into the company’s @hmvtweets Twitter account, Fast Company reports.

“There are over 60 of us being fired at once! Mass execution, of loyal employees who love the brand,” she wrote in one tweet.

“Sorry we’ve been quiet for so long. Under contract, we’ve been unable to say a word, or – more importantly – tell the truth,” she added.

The tweets in question have been removed and HMV posted the following message: “One of our departing colleagues was understandably upset. We’re still here thou, thx for supporting hmv thro these challenging times.”

It’s uncertain if the employee in question knew the username and the password of HMV’s Twitter account or if he simply guessed a weak password.

In any case, this shows that social media accounts, especially ones with many followers can be hijacked and abused not only by hacktivists, but also by disgruntled employees.

Updated. It turns out that the employee in question, Poppy Rose Cleere, worked as a social media planner for the company so there's no actual hacking involved.

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READER COMMENTS:


Comment #1 by: ITredux on 01 Feb 2013, 11:52 UTC reply to this comment

Get your facts straight, she didn't hack the account, she was in charge of community and social media for HMV and was one of the 60 fired. Weak journalism at its best.

http://successfulworkplace.com/2013/01/31/the-hmv-firings-twitter-is-the-pulse-of-the-planet-but-must-be-controlled/

It’s difficult to control a situation like this unfolding in real-time but a marketing executive must put controls in place or at least have the forethought to consider how sensitive content can be leaked and who has the ability to do it and by what channel. Given the Director asked how to 'turn off twitter' they were all clearly clueless.


Comment #2 by: ITredux on 01 Feb 2013, 11:55 UTC reply to this comment

It wasn't a 'he' but a she, you should really do your research given that it's all public over Twitter anyway.


Comment #3 by: Eric on 01 Feb 2013, 20:58 UTC reply to this comment

So...who "forced" HMV Group to axe these jobs...? This is surely a self-destructive and childish reply, but I do feel some sympathy is warranted for people fired mostly to appease stockholders...which is the goal of any public corporation.

That said, don't be surprised that the company you work for actually does not care about you and cares about profit more...I mean really, grow up a little, or cover your tracks better...

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