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Can you summarize RIGL Title 28, Chapter 56?
Labor and Labor Relations > Employee Social Media Privacy
Short Summary
The provided legal document content pertains to the Employee Social Media Privacy in the State of Rhode Island. The chapter specifies that it does not apply to information about an applicant or employee that is publicly available. It also allows employers to comply with screening duties or monitor employee communications as required by self-regulatory organizations or under state or federal law for regulated financial institutions, insurance, or securities related business purposes. The chapter prohibits employers from discharging, disciplining, penalizing, or threatening employees for refusing to disclose or provide access to specified information or for refusing to add the employer to their personal social media account contacts or alter account settings. It also prohibits employers from refusing to hire applicants for the same reasons. Employers are further prohibited from requiring, coercing, or requesting employees or applicants to disclose passwords or means of accessing personal social media accounts, accessing accounts in the employer’s presence, or divulging personal social media account information, except when reasonably believed to be relevant to an investigation of employee misconduct or workplace-related violation of laws and regulations. The chapter defines social media account as an electronic service or account, excluding those opened or provided by an employer or intended for employer use. The chapter provides remedies in civil actions, including declaratory relief, damages, attorney’s fees and costs, and injunctive relief. Additionally, employers are prohibited from compelling employees or applicants to add anyone to their personal social media account contacts or alter settings affecting third-party access. No specific exemptions or penalties are mentioned in the provided legal document content.
Whom does it apply to?
Employers and employees in the State of Rhode Island
What does it govern?
Employee Social Media Privacy
What are exemptions?
The chapter does not apply to publicly available information or when an employer is required to screen employees or monitor employee communications by a self-regulatory organization or under state or federal law for regulated financial institutions, insurance, or securities related business purposes.
What are the Penalties?
In any civil action alleging a violation of this chapter, the court may award declaratory relief, damages, reasonable attorney's fees and costs, and injunctive relief against the employer or agent.
Jurisdiction
Rhode Island