Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988

The Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 is a federal law that prohibits employers from using lie detectors in hiring and firing decisions. The act defines a "lie detector" as any device used to measure an individual's honesty or dishonesty, including polygraphs, deceptographs, voice stress analyzers, psychological stress evaluators, and other similar devices. The law makes it unlawful for employers engaged in interstate commerce to require employees or prospective employees to take lie detector tests, use the results of such tests, or discriminate against individuals who refuse to take a test. The act also provides exemptions for certain government agencies, national defense and security activities, and private employers that provide armored car services, security personnel, or work with controlled substances.