Michael J. Davey, Esq. mdavey@eckellsparks.com 610.565.3700

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Looking For a Job in NJ? Don't Worry - Your Facebook Password is Safe.

Last Thursday, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie approved a new law that prohibits private employers in the Garden State from requiring job applicants to disclose their social media usernames and passwords as a condition of getting a job.  The new law carries with it civil penalties of up to $1,000.00 for the first violation and $2,500.00 for all subsequent violations and does not allow applicants to waive the protections afforded them by the legislation. 

But, before all you job-seeking N.J. readers out there throw your hands in the air and go buck-wild on Facebook, be careful.  The new law does not prevent potential employers from: (1) asking whether you have a social media account; or (2) searching for and viewing anything on your social media pages that is accessible to the public. 

So, this new law notwithstanding, it is still a good idea to think before you Tweet.  Your new job might still depend on it.