Lawmakers Take Aim at 'Ghost Job' Ads as States Push Posting Transparency Rules

NewsData.io · United States · Aug 24, 2026

State legislators in New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas are moving to regulate 'ghost jobs'—online listings posted with little or no intent to hire—which may account for nearly one in five digital job ads, according to hiring platform Greenhouse. New York's legislature has passed a bill requiring employers to disclose hiring timelines and remove filled postings, with fines for violations; Pennsylvania has a similar proposal pending. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into LinkedIn, alleging it profits from fake listings. Staffing agencies and recruiters should monitor these developments closely, as new disclosure mandates could affect how clients post roles and how job seekers perceive the broader hiring market.