Bill > A01320

This bill establishes the Uniform Employee and Student Online Privacy Protection Act, which aims to safeguard the privacy of employees' and students' personal online accounts by restricting employers and educational institutions from demanding access to these accounts. The legislation defines key terms such as "protected personal online account" and sets clear boundaries on what employers and educational institutions can and cannot do regarding employees' and students' online accounts. Specifically, the bill prohibits employers and educational institutions from requiring individuals to disclose login information, share account content, alter account settings, or access accounts in a way that reveals private information. The act allows for limited exceptions, such as investigating potential misconduct or protecting against safety threats, but requires that any access be minimally invasive and purposeful. The bill also provides legal recourse, enabling both the attorney general and individual employees or students to bring civil actions for violations, with potential remedies including injunctive relief, monetary damages, and attorney's fees. Penalties for institutions can reach up to $1,000 per violation, with a maximum of $100,000 for violations arising from the same event. The legislation aims to balance privacy protection with legitimate institutional needs, providing a comprehensive framework for online account privacy in employment and educational settings.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1320