When Should You Have To Hand Over Your Passwords?

Is a pattern emerging? Why is it that some people think that you are obligated to give them your passwords?

We’re hearing more and more that schools and/or teachers are attempting to force students to turn over passwords to various social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace. Just a few days ago, we heard that a South Carolina school wants access to student’s social networking pages when they supect behavior that deosn comply with the school’s code.  Last month we heard about a cheerleader in Mississippi who was forced to hand over her Facebook password to a coach during school. We’re sure that we’ll hear more stories like this in the coming months.

In June, we heard how the city of Bozeman, MO used to require job applicants to provide usernames and passwords to social networking sites (although their policy has since then been changed). Again, the city of Bozeman probably isn’t the only group that has tried to get away with something like this.

What are your thoughts? Are there instances where you should be required to turn over your passwords? Or are these people crossing the line? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.