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California Employment Law Glossary

Social Media and Workplace Surveillance
Privacy Violations

 

Definition


 

California law restricts employers from demanding access to employees' personal social media accounts as a condition of employment or continued employment. Covert monitoring of personal electronic communications - including text messages and social media activity on personal devices - can raise serious legal issues under California privacy law. Employees who are required to surrender personal account access may have actionable claims.


Frequently Asked Questions

No, generally. California law prohibits employers from requiring you to disclose your personal social media username or password as a condition of employment.

Covertly monitoring your truly personal phone or messages, outside of company-owned devices or accounts, can raise significant privacy law concerns.

Think this applies to you?

Invasive surveillance of personal accounts may violate your rights. A free case review can clarify what is and is not lawful.
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This glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship with Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights. Laws change - for advice specific to your situation, contact our office for a free case review.