Earlier this week, the California state senate voted unanimously for a bill preventing employers from demanding access to their employees’ Facebook profiles. It is the latest such move by states looking to prevent privacy rights; similar legislation passed in Maryland and Illinois earlier this year. However, a provision was written into that California bill that would allow employers access to their employees’ accounts to investigate allegations of misconduct or employee violations.

As U.S. states continue to act on this issue, there are questions on the federal level about regulating password access everywhere. Several officials believe that such demands may already violate federal law.

“In an age where more and more of our personal information–and our private social interactions–are online, it is vital that all individuals be allowed to determine for themselves what personal information they want to make public and protect personal information from their would-be employers,” Sen. Chuck Schumer said in a statement to the Associated Press. “This is especially important during the job-seeking process, when all the power is on one side of the fence.”

We all know that putting stuff on the Internet means that it’s out there beyond our control, but have employers overstepped their bounds by demanding passwords to employees’ profiles? The rash of legal action would suggest so. What do you think? Is it fair for prospective employers to ask that? Would you like to see federal regulations?

Recommended Resources

BitDefender Safego is a Facebook application you can install that will scan your News Feed and help keep you safe from scams on Facebook.

PRIVATE WiFi® is a Personal VPN that encrypts everything you send and receive. Don’t access Facebook from a public WiFi hotspot without it.

Do Not Track + is a FREE browser plugin created by Abine. This easy to install plugin keeps websites from tracking you. If you value your online privacy, then you should definitely take advantage of this free product.

Action Alert | Free Parental Control offers a 100% free Internet safety solution designed for parents. There is also a Maximum Protection option for parents that need a more advanced set of tools.