Billing and Banning Social Media Snooping in California

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Published on Thursday, 27 September 2012 19:31

Written by Peter Rogala -rrplay-

Social media Twitter and Facebook fans will be be getting a bit more privacy protection from employers and universities, that deem it necessary for them to access a potential candidate’s user name, private e-mail, social media activity and passwords.

At least those in California will be getting a reprieve. Governor Jerry Brown signed two bills into law earlier today, giving protection from employers who demand login credential to various social media platforms and or personal e-mail accounts.According to one of the bills, “employers are barred from firing or disciplining those who refuse to give up any information related to their social media accounts.”

Governor Jerry Brown said in a statement released after he shared the news on Twitter, Facebook, and other social media accounts:

"The Golden State is pioneering the social media revolution and these laws will protect all Californians from unwarranted invasions of their personal social media accounts “

The Governor had also signed a similar bill, that also would prohibit colleges and universities demanding user names passwords and other private information from current and prospective students.

Interesting comment from Governor Brown's office, that the passing of the bills was a response to a to a "growing trend" of schools "snooping into student social media accounts, particularly those of student athletes."

Maybe the growing trend will continue?

But which one ?

Both laws will go into effect on January 1st.

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