US to Mandate Tourist Social Media Checks, Sparking Outrage and Boycott Calls
Under consideration by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are new plans that would require all tourists, including those from Britain, to undergo social media screening before entering the United States. This proposed mandate would apply to both visa and non-visa travelers and would necessitate providing social media information from the past five years, along with other personal details such as email addresses, phone numbers, and family information. Currently, the ESTA application requires only an email address, home address, and emergency contact details. These proposed changes are open for public consultation for 60 days, while there have been reports of travelers being denied entry over social media posts and messages.
John Q. Hosedrinker