The U.S. government has announced a plan to require travelers from select countries to share their social media history. This new policy is part of an initiative led by President Donald Trump’s administration aimed at enhancing national security measures. The regulation targets visitors under the Visa Waiver Program and aims to collect data that spans five years of social media activity.
Details of the Proposal
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) outlined the proposal in the Federal Register. It mandates that travelers must disclose their social media handles used in the last five years. This initiative aligns with Executive Order 14161, enacted in January 2025, which seeks to bolster vetting processes for foreign nationals entering the U.S.
Who Will Be Affected?
This requirement applies specifically to travelers using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The Visa Waiver Program currently allows citizens from 42 countries, including:
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Qatar
- Greece
- Malta
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Japan
- Israel
- South Korea
These travelers can enter the U.S. for up to 90 days for tourism or business without needing a visa. The ESTA process currently involves limited questions about applicants, primarily concerning personal identity and any past criminal records.
Implementation Mechanics
Upon implementation, travelers must provide a list of social media usernames. Importantly, they will not be required to share passwords. The CBP intends to review publicly available information on social media profiles.
Additionally, the proposal suggests that visitors will need to disclose other personal information, including:
- Phone numbers used over the past five years
- Email addresses from the last ten years
The government is also considering adding metadata from photos, detailed family background information, and biometric data options to the ESTA application.
Reasons for the Decision
The requirement comes as a continuation of policies set forth in 2019 that required social media disclosures from travelers from non-Visa Waiver Program countries. These measures aim to enhance security checks and have persisted through subsequent administrations. The CBP and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have historically pushed to expand the scope of these disclosures.
Concerns About Privacy and Freedom of Speech
Privacy advocates have raised alarms about the implications of such measures. Caroline DeCell, a senior attorney at Columbia University, noted that requiring extensive personal data could significantly invade privacy. Travelers expect a degree of anonymity online, and this proposal threatens that expectation.
The ramifications of this policy could deter many potential visitors, impacting the U.S. tourism and business sectors. DeCell emphasized that it represents a significant challenge to the principles of free speech protected under the First Amendment.
Public Feedback
The proposal is currently open for public comment for 60 days, allowing citizens and organizations to express their opinions before any finalization. The timeline for the official implementation is still uncertain, raising anticipation regarding its potential impact on international travel and personal freedom.
