Mass. Senate OKs Password Protection Bill

The Massachusetts Senate has approved a bill barring employers or school administrators from requiring workers, job applicants or potential students from disclosing their social media user names or passwords as a condition of employment or as acceptance as a student.

The bill would also make it illegal for an employer to force workers or applicants to add them to any list of contacts associated with personal social media accounts.

Supporters say 14 other states have similar laws.

Sen. Cynthia Creem said there's no reason to review someone's online pictures before offering them a job. She said it's like an employer asking to look at an applicant's personal photo albums.

The Newton Democrat said the bill includes exceptions for financial firms that are required to monitor employee communications with clients.

The bill now heads to the House.