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Can you summarize WARC 49.44.200?
ViolationsProhibited practices. > Personal social networking accountsRestrictions on employer accessDefinitions.
Short Summary
This section of the Revised Code of Washington prohibits employers in the state of Washington from requesting or coercing employees or applicants to disclose login information for personal social networking accounts. Employers are also prohibited from observing the contents of personal social networking accounts in the employer’s presence, compelling employees to add contacts, or requesting employees to alter account settings. Adverse action cannot be taken against an employee or applicant for refusing to disclose login information or comply with the above requests. However, there are exceptions to this prohibition, such as when an employer needs to investigate work-related employee misconduct or unauthorized transfer of proprietary information. The section also clarifies that it does not apply to work-related social networks or technology platforms, employer-provided accounts or devices, existing personnel policies, compliance with other laws or regulations, or background investigations. No specific penalties are mentioned in this section.
Whom does it apply to?
Employers in the state of Washington
What does it govern?
Restrictions on employer access to personal social networking accounts
What are exemptions?
This section does not apply to social networks or technology platforms primarily used for work-related purposes, employer-provided accounts or devices, existing personnel policies that do not conflict with this section, compliance with state or federal statutes, regulations, case law, or self-regulatory organization rules, and background investigations in accordance with RCW 43.101.095.
What are the Penalties?
No specific penalties mentioned.
Jurisdiction
Washington