Michigan Bill Aims To Protect Facebook Privacy
DETROIT (WWJ) - Michigan lawmakers are trying to make it illegal for employers to request social networking passwords. A new bill on the topic is currently pending in Lansing.
According to Detroit Attorney Erin Behler, employers who want these passwords can easily conduct searches on employees and potential applicants for the information they desire. If the proposal is passed, an employer would not be able to fire or hire an employee if they did not provide their social networking information when asked.
"Employers under no circumstances would be able to request the information as it reads now," Behler said. "It also provides penalties for employers, criminal and civil penalties."
Behler added that along with employers, the proposal would also apply to educational institutions. A similar bill was recently passed in Maryland.
Federal legislatures are also trying to get a bill passed with similar restrictions on employers.
