Jesse Dill

An old adage says, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Recently, circuit courts have applied this expression to social media activity and found...

Employers often rely on social media to achieve important workforce-related goals, which can include hiring a top-notch workforce, protecting the business's online reputation, and fostering a collegial work environment. Recently, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission strongly signaled to employers that it is ready to take a closer look at how equal employment opportunity laws are impacted by social media.

Wisconsin law took a big step forward to keep up with changing technology on Tuesday, April 7, when Gov. Scott Walker signed off on the Wisconsin Social Media Protection Act. Effective today, employers need to be aware of the information they can and cannot seek when it comes to social media.

Wisconsin is poised to become the 13th state to pass legislation prohibiting employers from requesting social media account information from employees or applicants. Assembly Bill 218 and Senate Bill 223 follow the trend sweeping across the country in response to reports of employers asking applicants for access to social media accounts as part of the interview process. Legislators supporting the bill are hailing it as “The Social Media Protection Act.”

Twas the employer’s holiday party, getting all away from the house
Employees were stirring, excited to be out
The company took many precautions with care
To avoid claims of liability after the celebratory affair