US Customs and Border Protection proposes requiring tourists from select countries to provide up to five years' worth of social media activity before entering the country.
According to a recent proposal, visitors from European countries and other regions could be asked to hand over their social media history, including posts, messages, and even private messages, to gain entry into the US. This would apply to travelers who normally face relatively straightforward processing through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
The move is part of an executive order issued by President Trump in January that aims to strengthen US borders and reduce what he sees as illegal immigration.
Under the proposal, applicants will need to disclose their social media handles used over the past five years, with any omitted information potentially resulting in visa denial. The US state department would review online presence for both applicants and dependents, requiring all privacy settings on social media profiles to be made public.
The proposal also calls for travelers to provide telephone numbers and email addresses they've used in the last five and 10 years, respectively, as well as details about family members.
Supporters of Trump claim that the new rules are necessary to ensure that only trustworthy individuals enter the country. However, critics argue that this requirement could deter tourists from traveling to the US, citing concerns over data protection and online freedom.
Australian tourists who had initially planned to visit the US for the World Cup have reportedly put off their trips due to these stringent requirements. One of those affected called the new rules "horrifying."
While the proposal is still in its early stages, some experts predict it could lead to an increase in wait times and significantly boost the costs associated with enforcing ESTA.
This move comes as travel to the US has seen a decline in recent years, with some countries facing restrictions.
According to a recent proposal, visitors from European countries and other regions could be asked to hand over their social media history, including posts, messages, and even private messages, to gain entry into the US. This would apply to travelers who normally face relatively straightforward processing through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
The move is part of an executive order issued by President Trump in January that aims to strengthen US borders and reduce what he sees as illegal immigration.
Under the proposal, applicants will need to disclose their social media handles used over the past five years, with any omitted information potentially resulting in visa denial. The US state department would review online presence for both applicants and dependents, requiring all privacy settings on social media profiles to be made public.
The proposal also calls for travelers to provide telephone numbers and email addresses they've used in the last five and 10 years, respectively, as well as details about family members.
Supporters of Trump claim that the new rules are necessary to ensure that only trustworthy individuals enter the country. However, critics argue that this requirement could deter tourists from traveling to the US, citing concerns over data protection and online freedom.
Australian tourists who had initially planned to visit the US for the World Cup have reportedly put off their trips due to these stringent requirements. One of those affected called the new rules "horrifying."
While the proposal is still in its early stages, some experts predict it could lead to an increase in wait times and significantly boost the costs associated with enforcing ESTA.
This move comes as travel to the US has seen a decline in recent years, with some countries facing restrictions.
. Like, what's next? Asking for bank statements or tax returns just to enter the country? It feels like they're trying to monitor our every move online and it's just not right 
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. And what about people who don't even have that kind of online presence? It's just not fair 
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. I mean, can you imagine if they asked for your browsing history or what apps you use on your phone? 
No thank you! This proposal is just a total overreach and it needs to be stopped ASAP 
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. That's a huge loss of revenue and cultural exchange. It's like the US is trying to keep its borders closed, not just physically, but also mentally and culturally.
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I'm not sure about this one... Like, what's next? Asking for our Netflix history too? 
I get that security is important, but do we really need to snoop on people's social media feeds? It sounds like a huge invasion of privacy. And what's the point of knowing everyone's online activity anyway? Is it just going to help track down potential "illegal immigrants" or is it about keeping our citizens safe from fake news and conspiracy theories? 
I don't see how this is a good use of government resources. It could be so easy to fudge some numbers on an application, too... I need to see some actual data on how this would work before I'm convinced it's not just a bad idea. 
! I can understand wanting to keep track of people's backgrounds, but do we really need to monitor their online lives? It feels like an invasion of privacy and I'm not sure it's necessary. What's next, will they be asking for our browser history too?! 
And what about people who don't have a big online presence? Are they supposed to be suspected of something just because they're not super active on social media? 
. I mean, how's it gonna affect people who are actually trying to visit for good reasons, like for tourism or family visits? It's just gonna be a huge hassle 
. Let's hope it gets shot down ASAP before it becomes a reality 
. And it's not like we're doing anything wrong just by being tourists... it's just a little invasive, you know? I mean, who needs all that personal info, anyway? 
. And what about people who just wanna share their vacation pics and vids without being scrutinized all the time? It's like, can't we just enjoy our trips without having to justify every single post? 
, it was all so relaxed. We didn't need to show our social media handles or anything 
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. I'm not saying it's all bad, but can't they see how this is gonna impact tourism? I mean, who wants to travel to a country where they have to be monitored 24/7? 
And what about all the private stuff we don't even want to share online?! 
its just so invasive 
. Like, I totally get why they wanna make sure everyone's trustworthy and all that, but come on, social media history? That's just crazy talk 
It's already hard enough dealing with the paperwork for ESTA, now you're gonna ask us to dig up every single post we've ever made online? No thanks, I'd rather not travel to America at all if that's what it takes 
. And what about people who have no idea their online activity is public? It's just not fair 
And for what? So the government can supposedly ensure "only trustworthy individuals" enter the country? Like, how does that even work? 
. Not gonna lie, it’s kinda turned me off from traveling there now 
. Data protection and online freedom are crucial aspects of our digital lives, and restricting people's ability to share their thoughts online without fear of repercussions can have serious consequences 
. And what's with all the private messages? Like, do they really need to know who you're texting about?! 
It's just too much. I'm starting to think that Trump's idea of "strengthening borders" is just an excuse for him to meddle in our personal lives 
. and btw what's the point of requiring private messages? that's kinda personal info, right? 