The US plans to check the social network history of visa-exempt visitors

The notice was published in the Federal Register on December 10, stating that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is proposing to collect social network data for the most recent 5 years of visitors from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program when applying through the Electronic Travel Authorization System (ESTA).

In addition to social networks, passengers may have to declare a list of phone numbers used in the past 5 years, emails used in the last 10 years, metadata from photos sent with documents, detailed information about relatives including place of birth and phone number. Currently, the ESTA application form only requires basic information such as parents’ names and current email.

The ESTA system automatically checks and approves visa-exempt tourist applications. The program, administered by the Department of Homeland Security, allows citizens mainly from Europe and Asia to travel or work in the US for up to 90 days.

Speaking at the White House, President Donald Trump affirmed that he was not worried that this measure would affect tourism.

“We need safety, security and we need to make sure we don’t let the wrong people into the country,” he said.

People have 60 days to comment before the regulations are applied. US Customs and Border Protection said there are no new changes for people entering the US. The draft information is the first step to discuss new policy options to protect the American people.

The agency cited the terrorist attack on the National Guard in Washington DC just before Thanksgiving as a reason for pushing for tighter inspections.

The notice did not explain specifically what the agency wanted to check in social media accounts or why additional data was needed. CBP only said that this proposal is to implement the executive order issued by President Trump in January, requiring tightening the immigration screening process to prevent security risks.

Citizens from countries outside the visa waiver program have had to declare social network information since Mr. Trump’s first term, which was maintained under President Joe Biden.

Since January, the Trump administration has tightened the screening process for immigrants and visitors, including those applying for entry and those already in the US. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires applicants to publicly disclose all social network accounts so that authorities can easily check. Refusal to make the application public can be a reason for visa refusal.

Many organizations protecting freedom of speech and immigration worry that the new measure could be abused to screen out government critics, infringing on freedom of expression.