Wendy McElroy: When did Facebook become Congress?

  A March 23rd headline in the tech zine ZDNet caused a buzz on the blogosphere. It reads, “Facebook: Legal Action against Employers Asking for Your Password.” The article explained, “The social networking giant is considering using the law to protect its 845 million users.” The two legal routes being considered are: (a) getting politicians to pass a law barring employers from this practice and/or (b) suing employers who are asking you for your Facebook credentials.

  At issue are those employers who demand an applicant’s Facebook password as a condition of employment. The password offers the employers at least two advantages. They can check for “dissolute” behavior, such as drunkenness, which is often documented in posted photos; and they can prevent employees from posting negative comments about the workplace or punish those who do.