Maryland to Ban Employers from Asking Employees, Applicants for Social Media Passwords

Under a bill passed by both houses of the Maryland General Assembly, employers in Maryland would be prohibited from demanding from employees and job applicants the usernames, passwords or other means to access personal accounts or service through an electronic communication device (e.g., computer and phone) for social media sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn. The bill, S.B. 433, introduced by Senator Ronald Young, passed unanimously in the Senate and by a vote of 128-10 in the House. It is awaiting the signature of Governor Martin O’Malley. It would become effective October 1, 2012.