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ARTICLE · 09 MAY 2012

Sharing Passwords With @MyBoss

Fisher Phillips LLP
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Maryland has become the first state in the country to ban companies from asking employees and applicants for their social media passwords. The bill, which makes the practice entirely illegal, easily passed both houses of the legislature and is awaiting signature by Gov. Martin O'Malley. It will become effective October 1, 2012.

United StatesEmployment and HR
Tabatha George
Tabatha George
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Maryland has become the first state in the country to ban companies from asking employees and applicants for their social media passwords. The bill, which makes the practice entirely illegal, easily passed both houses of the legislature and is awaiting signature by Gov. Martin O'Malley. It will become effective October 1, 2012. Similar bills are being discussed in other states, including California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Washington. In addition, U.S. Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have announced that they will seek investigations of the practice from the Justice Department and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

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