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S.M.P.L. (Social Media Privacy Law)

A law that protects citizens against employer action concerning social media postings.

I propose a new law to enacted by the Congress of the United States of America. This law concerns intrusion into personal affairs and beliefs held by US citizens concerning social media usage by employers. Although broadcasted publicly, social media shall not be used as a basis for hiring or firing an individual based on personal beliefs or comments made by said individual. This is an intrusion too far into the personal lives of US citizens. We have the Constitutional right to voice our opinions. There is no wording in the Constitution that states an employer may take action against an employee. Employers are not lawmakers or politicians and should remain withing the scope of their operations. Furthermore an employer, hiring manager or other employee that has the authority to hire/fire must request in writing to Facebook or Twitter or other social media outlet to look at someones account. The individual must in turn give permission in writing for an employer to view their account. This individual does not have to grant access at anytime or under any condition unless a subpoena is issued by a US Court and only by a Law Enforcement agency. This cannot be a prior condition of employment or or a basis for termination. This request can only occur after the individual is hired. If a citizen believes an employer has circumvented this law, that individual can seek legal action. Examples include screen captures taken and e-mailed, printed and mailed or showing the employer on a computer monitor/phone or hersay including slander by other co-workers or other citizens on the United States. This includes media outlets and media providers. If the individual is a Military or Federal employee, social media is subject to background checks by the employer via a background check agency and only for specific questions regarding the persons character. For example: "Has this person ever threatened violence against a group of people or individual due to racial, religious or sexual orientation beliefs?" And it shall be a yes/no format submitted back to the employer. I implore the Congress to support this petition.