U.S. expands digital vetting for foreign travelers

Mandatory social media disclosure raises privacy concerns and potential impacts on international tourism

Foreign visitors traveling to the United States under the visa waiver program could soon be required to disclose up to five years of their social media history, along with a range of personal information going back a decade.

The proposal, filed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, would apply to citizens of 42 countries who are currently allowed to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. The new screening approach reflects a broader shift toward discretionary evaluation of online speech rather than targeted fact verification. Industry groups warn that the policy could increase processing delays, reduce inbound tourism and raise civil liberties concerns.

Key takeaways

• Expanded data requirements: The proposal would require visa waiver travelers to share five years of social media history and ten years of email addresses, along with detailed information about family members.
• Shift in vetting approach: Authorities would assess online speech and behavior more broadly, moving beyond traditional checks used to confirm facts or identify criminal activity.
• Potential operational delays: Increased data collection and review could lengthen processing times and raise the chance that travelers are flagged for additional scrutiny.
• Tourism industry pushback: Travel organizations argue that stricter requirements may discourage international visitors and negatively affect major travel events.
• Civil liberties concerns: Digital rights advocates say mandatory disclosure does little to improve safety while eroding privacy and chilling free expression.
• Gradual implementation expected: If approved, the new rules could be phased in over the coming months following a 60-day public comment period.

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