The United States could begin requiring visitors to provide up to five years of their social media history under a new proposal that would significantly expand screening for international travelers.
The requirement would affect travelers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, including Australia, Britain, France, Germany, Israel, Japan and South Korea. These visitors would need to provide their social media history when applying for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) travel authorization.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection published the proposal in the Federal Register, marking a potential major expansion of social media screening for international visitors.
RELATED STORY | Obese? Diabetic? New directive could deny visas for immigrants with certain health conditions
Critics are raising concerns about privacy implications and comparing the policy to authoritarian practices used by other governments.
The Visa Waiver Program currently allows citizens from 40 countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. Instead, they must receive approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization before their trip.
If implemented, the new requirement would represent one of the most extensive social media screening policies for international travel to the United States.
ICYMI | State Department may require visa applicants to post bond of up to $15,000 to enter the US
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
