Germany’s government is planning a new law to protect employees’ privacy, including making it illegal for employers to check on job candidates’ private Facebook postings. Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said Wednesday the law would make it illegal for future bosses to ask applicants to become their Facebook friend in order to check out details they would otherwise keep private.

Checking postings made public on the Web would be allowed, though.

He says the law will also prevent clandestine video surveillance in the work place — except in public spaces such as supermarkets. Cameras will be allowed if employees know about them, but not in private spaces like lavatories or locker rooms.

The law now has to be considered by parliament.