Md. becomes first to OK password protection bill - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

Md. becomes first to OK password protection bill

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland is poised to become the first state that bans employers from demanding applicants or workers hand over their log-in information for social media sites like Facebook.

The measure, which handily passed the legislature earlier this month, keeps companies from snooping on password-protected content, a practice advocates of the bill say violates privacy and intimidates job seekers and employees.

Robert Collins, a former corrections officer in Maryland, says he was asked for his Facebook account information last year while being recertified for his job following a leave of absence.

Advocates for the bill say his willingness to come forward is rare because many people don't want to risk losing an employment opportunity or upsetting their employer.

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