This summer, the State of Washington passed a social media law, effectively restricting an employer’s right to use and access their employee’s social media accounts. It also restricted their involvement in the social media activities of prospective employees. Oregon also passed a similar bill that went into effect on January 1, 2014.
Washington employees have a right to privacy—even on the Internet. These laws prohibit Washington employers from requiring, requesting, and coercing an employee or prospective employee to give them access to their social media accounts. This includes sharing passwords or login information, asking an employee to “friend” them, or coercing employees to allow you to view their social media account.
Employers were beginning to step over the line and snooping on sites like Facebook to gain personal information about employees. This information was then used as a basis for termination or demotion in the company or used to deny employment. Now, all employees have a right to privacy and should refuse any employer who asks to gain access to their social accounts.
Employees in Seattle should be aware, however, that this law does not protect the content on social media sites that is shared publically. Before you post anything on a social media site, be sure to check your privacy settings and ensure that you are not posting publicly. If a boss or an employer asks to “friend” you on Facebook, consider carefully before accepting this request.
If your employer has gained access to your social media accounts illegally or coerced you into sharing your password or login information, it is important to know that you have rights. An experienced Seattle employee rights lawyer can help you protect your privacy and ensure that your rights are not violated.
Contact Seattle Employee Rights Attorneys
If you believe that your employer has violated your rights as an employee, it is important to contact an experienced Seattle employee rights attorney. To learn more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Seattle employee rights attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.
The employee rights lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented employees in Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, Marysville, Lakewood, Redmond, Shoreline, and throughout the State of Washington.
