A new proposal unveiled by American officials indicates that tourists from dozens of countries could be asked to provide a five-year social media history as a condition precedent for entry to the United States.
Previously, the Donald Trump administration announced it would examine social media accounts during the vetting of foreign nationals applying for student or H-1 B visas for skilled workers. It’s part of measures to toughen US borders for national security reasons.
The State Department said it will conduct “online presence” reviews for applicants and their dependents, and that privacy settings on all social media profiles must be set to “public” so this screening can take place.
According to analysts, the new plan could pose an obstacle to potential visitors or harm their digital rights.
The US expects a major influx of foreign tourists next year, as it hosts the men’s football World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico and for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The proposal document was filed by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), of which the agency is part.
US media reported that it appeared in the Federal Register, which is the official journal of the US government.
According to a report by the BBC, the proposal says “the data element will require ESTA applicants to provide their social media from the last 5 years”, without giving further details of which specific information will be required.
