Intellectual Property Law

Aggresive Georgia Law Requires Sex Offenders to Turn Over Passwords

By Tim Feathers

In a bold move destined to draw a challenge from privacy advocates, the state of Georgia has passed a law that becomes effective tomorrow (Jan. 1, 2009), that requires sex offenders to hand over their Internet passwords, screen names and e-mail addresses. In doing so, Georgia joins a small group of states attempting to comply with federal guidelines requiring authorities to track Internet addresses of sex offenders, but it is among the first to take the extra step of forcing its 16,000 offenders to turn in their passwords as well.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out. At least one court has held that turning over passwords was tantamount to a "testimonial act" which, if compelled, violated one's Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination (see, Bodies in Your Freezer?). Should registered sex offenders be required to essentially forfeit all right to privacy in their electronic communications? Vote below:

Full post as published by The TechKnowledgy Blog on December 31, 2008 (boomark / email).