A proposed bill amendment in Washington’s state legislature that could have allowed employers the right to demand access to employees’ social media accounts during company investigations has been withdrawn this week. In January, state senators introduced S.B. 5211 to prevent employers from asking current and prospective employees to provide their social media passwords. The House Labor Committee proposed a controversial amendment that would have granted employers the right not just to request, but also the right to demand, access to employees’ and applicants’ Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social media accounts to investigate allegations of workplace misconduct. The proposed amendment was troubling to those concerned with employee privacy, as some believed it would grant employers unfettered access to go on fishing expeditions through employees’ private social media information. However, the proposed amendment was withdrawn and the original bill now awaits a vote.
Washington State Legislators Withdraw Bill Allowing Employers to Access Social Media Accounts During Investigations
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