Maryland becomes first state to ban employers from demanding Facebook passwords
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Next on the Maryland legislature’s agenda: the rampant problem of tigers in the sewer! Wait, what’s that? Tigers in the sewer aren’t really much of a problem at all? Well, still, the IDEA freaks people out so we better pass a law about it.
I’m just saying.
Of course, Maryland is the state where the tiger WAS found in the sewer. Oops, I mean, that’s the state where a guy was asked for his Facebook login when applying for a job.
The bill has its genesis in a controversy that began when Maryland Corrections Officer Robert Collins returned to work following a leave of absence taken after the death of his mother. While completing a re-certification process needed to return to duty, Collins was asked for his personal Facebook password, ostensibly to check for known gang activity. He refused, and obtained the assistance of the Maryland chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, which quickly filed a lawsuit, bringing the case onto the national stage.
But when will Maryland do something about bears in my refrigerator?! I’m sick of these do-nothing government fat cats.
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