Maryland is poised to become the first state that bans employers from demanding applicants or workers hand over their log-in information for social media sites like Facebook.

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The measure, which handily passed the legislature earlier this month, keeps companies from snooping on password-protected content, a practice advocates of the bill say violates privacy and intimidates job seekers and employees.

Robert Collins, a former corrections officer in Maryland, says he was asked for his Facebook account information last year while being recertified for his job following a leave of absence.

Advocates for the bill say his willingness to come forward is rare because many people don't want to risk losing an employment opportunity or upsetting their employer.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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