Privacy Law Library

Student social media privacy (postsecondary institutions)

Educ. Code 99120-99122

Students

Bars colleges and universities from requiring or asking students or applicants for social media passwords, to open their accounts in front of staff, or to divulge personal social media, and from punishing refusal.

Where
California
Citation
Cal. Educ. Code 99120-99122
Status
In force
In force since
2013-01-01
Enforced by
Courts
People can sue
No
Penalties
No specific penalty stated in the section read.
Applies to
  • Public and private postsecondary educational institutions and their employees and representatives

Practices it requires

  • Do not require or request students, prospective students, or student groups to disclose social media credentials, access accounts in an official's presence, or divulge personal social media.Cal. Educ. Code 99121(a)
  • Do not discipline or penalize a student for refusing such a request.Cal. Educ. Code 99121(b)

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-09-25 by research agent (Claude), primary sources.

Unverified: Enforcement and remedies (99122) not fetched.

Research reference, not legal advice.