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Collins’s case reached the halls of Congress, where several lawmakers gave speeches against the practice of employers asking for passwords or "friending" applicants. Lawmakers in the House and Senate are working on legislation that would ban the practice nationally.

Maryland ACLU legislative director Melissa Goemann said that Maryland "has trail-blazed a new frontier in protecting freedom of expression in the digital age, and has created a model for other states to follow."

Collins said he is "excited to know that our esteemed policymakers in Maryland found it important to protect the privacy of Maryland's citizens."

"I hope that other state legislatures, and more importantly the federal government, follow Maryland's lead and ensure these essential protections for all Americans nationwide," Collins said.