Bill > S2063

This bill aims to protect the privacy of individuals' personal social media accounts by prohibiting educational institutions and employers from demanding access to them. Specifically, it prevents colleges, universities (including the University of Massachusetts), and K-12 schools from requiring students or applicants to disclose usernames, passwords, or other login information, or to add school personnel to their social media contacts as a condition of admission or participation in activities. Similarly, employers are barred from demanding such access or contact additions from current or prospective employees. The bill defines "social media" broadly as any electronic medium for sharing user-generated content and "personal social media account" as one used exclusively for private communications unrelated to educational or business purposes, respectively. While these entities cannot generally access private accounts, exceptions exist for publicly available information and for employers or educational institutions to request access to an account if specific relevant information is received, there are no other means to obtain it, and proper notification is given to the individual, with access strictly limited to relevant evidence for investigations or legal compliance. The bill also allows for civil action and damages for violations, including a $1,000 penalty for certain requests and adverse actions, and provides for recovery of attorney's fees.