Foreign Travelers Face New U.S. Social Media Screening Rules

URGENT UPDATE: Foreign travelers who can enter the United States without a visa may soon face stringent new requirements regarding their social media accounts. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced a proposal that would mandate travelers from select countries to provide extensive social media information, email addresses, and detailed family history as part of their travel authorization process.

The notice, published on October 25, 2023, in the Federal Register, indicates that travelers participating in the Visa Waiver Program could be required to submit five years of social media history before receiving approval to travel to the U.S. This initiative is part of a broader push by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enhance monitoring of international travelers and immigrants.

The proposed changes target citizens from over 40 countries who currently enjoy visa-free travel for tourism or business purposes. Unlike visa applicants, these travelers typically avoid embassy interviews, making this new requirement a significant shift in the process.

CBP will also seek additional personal data, including a list of phone numbers used over the past five years, email addresses from the last decade, and metadata from electronically submitted photos. Moreover, applicants will need to provide detailed information about their family members, including their places of birth and phone numbers. This marks a dramatic increase in the amount of personal information required compared to the current Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which only asks for basic details such as parents’ names.

The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed changes, which could take effect soon after. While officials have not clarified what specific information they seek from social media accounts or their reasoning, the initiative aligns with an executive order from former President Donald Trump aimed at tightening scrutiny of individuals entering the U.S.

This heightened focus on social media screening has raised alarms among immigration and free speech advocates, who question the implications for privacy and potential discrimination against individuals critical of the government. The Biden administration has continued this policy, which was already in place for travelers from non-Visa Waiver countries.

As the situation develops, it remains essential for travelers from participating countries to stay informed about these potential changes. The ongoing scrutiny of social media accounts and personal information underscores a growing trend towards increased security measures in U.S. immigration policy.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.