RALEIGH – A bill forbidding employers and universities from accessing private email or social media accounts of workers and students has passed the North Carolina House.

The bill that passed Thursday prohibits employers and universities from demanding access to the private accounts of applicants, employees and students. The bill provides a number of exceptions, including cases of employer-held devices or accounts and criminal investigations.

The bill’s sponsors said a number of other states have enacted similar bills that help define privacy in the digital age.

Rep. Paul Stam of Apex said he’s worried about the implications for employers who may have good reasons for asking for access to personal accounts.

The bill passed the House 76-36 and will now head to the Senate.

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