Under intense public scrutiny Bozeman officials permanently remove a disputed and questionable background check. "The extent of our request for a candidacy's password, username, and other internet information appears to have exceeded that which is acceptable in our community," said Bozeman City Manager Chris Kukulski.

Under the old policy, city officials asked for login information on popular social networking websites such as Facebook. "This was a question that was asked after you were conditionally offered a job," said Kukulski.

City officials say while they have done away with the request they will continue to do internet searches on qualified applicants. The Montana ACLU believes the request violates the job-seekers' privacy rights.

"Saying that they want people's username and password for social networking sites is crossing the line," said the ACLU's Scott Crighton. He believes handing over that type of information is equivalent to letting someone open up your mailbox and read everything inside.

ACLU officials aren't planning litigation unless someone claims they were turned away from a job after refusing to give up their social networking information.

Bozeman city officials say they'll suspend the practice of reviewing password protected information they've already received until they conduct a more comprehensive evaluation of the practice.