Can a potential employer ask you for your Facebook username and password?

It has become almost standard procedure in the age of social networks for an employer to search online for information about a job candidate. However, an article from the Associated Press on March 20th has intensified the national debate about Internet privacy issues.  The article described a practice that has become increasingly common, especially with government agencies, whereby an interviewer will ask for a candidate’s username and password in order to look through the private profile on their Facebook page.  

In response, on March 23rd, Erin Egan (Facebook’s Chief Privacy Officer) issued a note that the Statement of Rights and Responsibilities had been amended, making it a violation to share or solicit a Facebook password.

The ACLU has been active for some time on this issue through its Demand Your dotRights campaign urging people to contact their legislators.  In fact, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY.) have both called for official action.

Think about what you have posted on your Facebook page. Would you want your current or future employer to have unrestricted access?