Are employers allowed to make demands about the use of employees’ social media accounts?

In California, employers can make certain demands about employees’ social media accounts. However, employers are limited in what they can legally require employees to do with their social media accounts. Generally, employers cannot force employees to add them as a friend on social media or give them access to personal accounts, such as with passwords. In addition, employers cannot compel employees to post anything on their personal accounts or to log in to their accounts while they are on the clock. Under California law, employers can ask employees to agree to post certain content on their personal accounts in an effort to promote the company or its products. An employer cannot, however, require an employee to do so. The employee is free to refuse to participate in such a program. It is possible for an employer to ask an employee to stop making inappropriate or offensive posts on their personal accounts. These requests must be done in a professional manner and must be related to the employee’s job duties. Overall, employers are allowed to make certain demands about their employees’ social media accounts in California. However, employers must respect the employee’s right to privacy and refrain from making any unlawful requests.

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Are employers allowed to make demands about the use of employees’ social media accounts?

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