HB 2845
Relating to Social Media privacy and educational institutions
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill protects the social media privacy of current and prospective students and employees at West Virginia higher education institutions. It prohibits these institutions from requiring usernames, passwords, or changes to privacy settings on social media accounts. Furthermore, it prevents institutions from taking adverse actions, such as disciplinary measures or denial of admission/employment, against individuals for asserting these privacy rights. The bill also clarifies that institutions can still view publicly available information.
Key provisions
- Institutions cannot require disclosure of social media usernames and passwords.
- Institutions cannot require students to add employees or volunteers to their social media contacts.
- Institutions cannot require changes to social media privacy settings.
- Institutions cannot penalize students for exercising their social media privacy rights.
- Institutions cannot deny admission or employment based on social media privacy rights.
- The bill defines key terms such as ‘employee,’ ‘institution of higher education,’ and ‘social media account.’
- It clarifies that institutions can still access publicly available information.
- The bill does not prevent compliance with federal or state laws and regulations.
Who is affected
- Students at West Virginia higher education institutions
- Prospective students at West Virginia higher education institutions
- Employees of West Virginia higher education institutions
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