Ride the Lightning
Cybersecurity and Future of Law Practice Blog
by Sharon D. Nelson Esq., President of Sensei Enterprises, Inc.
Maryland Bans Employers From Asking For Social Media Passwords
April 16, 2012
The Baltimore Sun reported last week that Maryland has become the first state in the nation to pass legislation prohibiting employers in the state from asking current and prospective employees for their user names and passwords to social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter. Other states, including Illinois and California, are considering similar legislation.
The bill has not yet been signed by Governor Martin O'Malley, though it is hard to see why he would refuse to sign it – this is landmark legislation which can only make Maryland look good.
The bill, drafted in response to a state agency's scouring of the personal Facebook posts of prison guard applicants, might be a harbinger of federal action. U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer of New York and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut have asked the Department of Justice and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to investigate the issue.
Virginia and Maryland do not always see eye to eye, but in this case, Virginia salutes you Maryland – I hope our General Assembly passes a similar bill next year!
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