Panel hears bill to protect online privacy

HELENA — A House committee is considering a measure that would prohibit employers from requesting job applicants' and employees' social media usernames and passwords.

Democratic Sen. Anders Blewett of Great Falls presented the Senate Bill 195 Thursday to the House Business and Labor Committee.

He says nothing in Montana law prevents employers from requesting the "keys to someone's personal information" on social media websites such as Facebook.

Mark Baker, representing the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, says the measure would hinder a business' ability to conduct investigations of fraud and harassment.

Blewett dismissed that argument, saying employers want to do the jobs of the law enforcement officers in cases of criminal activity.

The measure has passed the Senate and needs the committee's endorsement to move to the full House.