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State bill would ban employers from asking for workers' social media information

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Some Florida lawmakers want to limit employers' access to their workers' social media accounts.

It's currently legal for employers to demand employees' usernames and passwords for their social media accounts like Facebook and Twitter. Companies can also fire workers who refuse to provide the information.

A new bill, SB 198, was recently introduced by Rep. Karen Castor Dentel. It would ban employers from requiring workers to turn over their usernames and passwords. Big-business advocates worry a ban would prevent them from doing thorough checks when it comes to hiring employees.

The Senate's Commerce and Tourism Committee reviewed the bill and amended it to say that companies can ask for usernames and passwords if a worker's account is used for business purposes.