Password protection bill introduced

LIN TV News

Updated: May 10, 2012 6:47 AM

WASHINGTON (CNN) - A group of lawmakers want to make sure your boss can't get into your Facebook or email account.

New legislation would make it illegal for employers to force workers to reveal passwords.

"The growing trend for employers compelling or coercing their prospective or current employees to provide access to private password protected accounts, private systems is absolutely repugnant, and reprehensible. This trend really goes against the fundamental values of privacy that are so deeply ingrained in our way of life and our Constitution," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, (D) Connecticut.

The act combats the recent trend of employers trying to monitor private messages to limit embarrassing or damaging information.

Employers violating the law could be fined $10,000.

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