Maryland says no to employer demands for Facebook passwords

As we reported in late March, many employers are demanding that applicants submit their Facebook passwords, so that they can check their statements and monitor their behavior. Some schools and sports teams are asking for social media passwords as well.

In response said The Hill, Maryland's General Assembly, "passed legislation that would prohibit employers from requiring or seeking user names, passwords or any other means of accessing personal Internet sites such as Facebook as a condition of employment."

Maryland became embroiled in the issue because a state prison guard, Robert Collins, was asked for his personal Facebook password after he had taken a leave of absence. Collins refused and contacted the state ACLU. Collins was pleased with the quick result, saying he is "excited to know that our esteemed policymakers in Maryland found it important to protect the privacy of Maryland's citizens."

As a result of the attendant publicity, the issue has reached the U.S. Congress, which is working on a national ban to the practice.

Give me your Facebook password or no job! (Speed Matters, Mar. 29, 2012)

Maryland bans employers from asking for Facebook passwords (The Hill, April 9, 2012)