The Michigan House of Representatives approved bipartisan legislation protecting the privacy of Michigan internet users by prohibiting employers from asking applicants and employees for passwords and other account information used to access private internet accounts, such as a Facebook profile or an email account.

“While our technological advances are beneficial, we must ensure that our laws protecting an individual’s private information on the Internet advance as well,” said House Bill 5523 sponsor state Rep. Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton.  “Whether it is a social media profile or a personal bank account, people have the right to a certain level of privacy when it comes to what sensitive information they wish to share or not to share with the public. This bill helps find a respectable balance between the privacy of individuals and free market principles that allow employers and educational institutions to create security and stability within their institutions.”

Nesbitt’s legislation also prohibits educational institutions from asking for private account information, and penalizes them for dismissing or failing to admit a student who does not provide such details.

The bill now moves to the Gov. Rick Snyder’s desk for his signature.