Social Media Privacy Bill Awaits Action by Governor Christie

A social media privacy bill (A2878) barring employers from requiring or requesting that current or prospective employees provide access to their social media accounts—or even disclose whether they have such accounts—was approved by the New Jersey legislature on March 21, 2013. The bill now awaits action by Governor Chris Christie.

The bill applies to personal social media accounts and prohibits retaliation or discrimination against individuals who refuse to divulge their usernames or passwords. The bill also provides that it should not be construed to prevent employers from complying with the requirements of state or federal law. In addition to a civil penalty of $1,000 to $2,500, the bill would also provide aggrieved individuals with a civil cause of action, enabling them to seek injunctive relief, compensatory and consequential damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs.

Click here for the full article, Broad Social Media Privacy Bill Reaches New Jersey Governor’s Desk.