When you’re at your next job interview, your potential employer might ask you for your resume, your references…and your Facebook password.

According to a recent report by the Associated Press, companies are asking for access to social media accounts in order to better screen interviewees. They claim that since most Facebook users know how to customize the website’s privacy settings, it’s too difficult for human resource personnel to perform comprehensive background checks.

Job applicants have the right to refuse to disclose their personal account information. However, many don’t, fearing that their application will be rejected if they do so.

Several states are currently writing bills to prohibit employers from requesting social media passwords from job hopefuls. Given that asking for people’s login information constitutes a violation of Facebook’s terms of service—not to mention an infringement of people’s rights to privacy—companies can take less invasive measures such as asking applicants to sign a non-disparagement agreement once hired.

What do you think? Is this new method of screening applicants reasonable, or an invasion of privacy? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments section!

By Annie Park