MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — A bill preventing employers from accessing their employees’ social media accounts passed the legislature on the final day of the 60-day regular session.
Del. Stephen Skinner (D-Jefferson) sponsored the Internet Privacy Protection Act (HB 4364) to establish guidelines when it comes to employees’ online privacy.
The legislation would prevent employers from obtaining social media passwords from their employees and also help employers, according to Skinner.
“It creates some bright lines for employers and employees to follow regarding Internet usage at work,” Skinner said Monday.
The bill, which Skinner introduced twice before, is a good first step, he said.
“I think that we have to protect our security in a new way in the digital age.”
There are currently no federal laws in place regarding social media privacy at work, Skinner said.