Maryland's Social Media User Name and Privacy Legislation

The premise behind Maryland's proposed User Name and Password Privacy Protection Bill (Senate Bill 971) is to protect the personal privacy of job applicants and employees in the State of Maryland. The bill was drafted because a Maryland Corrections Officer was asked (requested/demanded depending upon whose perspective you are coming from) to turn over his Facebook user name and password during an interview to go back to work after a personal leave of absence.

Maryland Senate Bill 971 was introduced and read for the first time on March 7, 2011, a little over 2 weeks after the incident that prompted the bill received widespread media attention. I believe that this bill will start a much needed conversation on privacy in the Social Media Age.

To learn how Maryland Senate Bill 971 or other social media legislation may affect your business you may contact me at www.shearlaw.com.

Copyright 2011 by the Law Office of Bradley S. Shear, LLC. All rights reserved.