WASHINGTON – US authorities are considering a controversial new requirement, as tourists from dozens of countries, including Britain may have to share their entire social media activity from 5 five years just to get an American Visa.
The proposed measure targets travelers who can visit the US for up to 3months without a visa, but who have filled out the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form. If passed, this could mark a dramatic expansion of the information the US collects from visitors.
The sweeping proposal has been submitted by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While the document mandates that applicants provide five years of social media history, it does not specify exactly what kind of social media information would be required, leaving experts alarmed over potential privacy violations.
Following his return to White House in January, President Trump implemented stricter border security measures, citing national security concerns. Now, this new proposal could further tighten the digital scrutiny of international travelers.
Experts warn that this policy could create serious hurdles for tourists, potentially infringing on digital rights at a time when the U.S. is preparing to host massive international events. Next year, the country expects a surge of foreign visitors for the Men’s Football World Cup, co-hosted with Canada and Mexico, followed by the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The proposal has been published in the Federal Register, the official journal of the U.S. government. The BBC reached out to DHS for clarification but has yet to receive a response.
Currently, the ESTA system collects limited information from travelers for a one-time $40 fee. The proposed changes, however, go far beyond that, suggesting that applicants also submit Telephone numbers from the past five years, Email addresses from the past ten years, detailed information about family members.
If implemented, this sweeping surveillance could transform the U.S. travel experience, raising serious questions about privacy, personal freedom, and the future of international tourism.
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