By Cristina Silva | The Associated Press
Ask about employment history. Ask about education. But don’t you dare ask for a job applicant’s Facebook password.
That’s the message some Arizona lawmakers are sending employers amid an ongoing national debate over online privacy rights.
As social networking sites have become more popular, managers are increasingly reviewing publicly available Facebook profiles, Twitter accounts and other sites to learn more about job candidates and employees. But some companies and government agencies are taking it further and demanding applicants and employees give up their usernames and passwords.
Arizona is one of dozens of states considering legislation to protect workers from such intrusions. A Senate bill advanced Wednesday would make it illegal for employers to demand online passwords or usernames or punish employees and applicants who refuse to provide such information.
If you’d like to discuss employment or health care law, contact David Weissman, director of the Rose Law Group Employment Law and Managed Health Care Law Practice, dweissman@roselawgroup.com
