NC H846

Prohibits employers and academic institutions from requesting or requiring employees, applicants, and students to disclose usernames, passwords, or access information for personal social media and email accounts.

Bans institutions from requiring individuals to log into personal accounts in their presence, monitoring personal electronic devices through software installation or tracking technology, or forcing individuals to add institutional representatives to personal social media profiles.

Makes it unlawful for employers to discharge or refuse to hire, or for academic institutions to dismiss or refuse to admit, individuals who refuse to disclose protected personal account information.

Permits employers to access accounts and devices that are employer-supplied or employer-paid, to investigate unauthorized transfer of proprietary information, and to comply with financial services regulations and federal law requirements.

Effective October 1, 2013; authorizes the Attorney General to bring civil actions with penalties of up to $500 per violation.