Trump administration has set many travelers on edge as the United States moves toward a new rule that would require foreign visitors to submit their social media history.
The plan, which appeared in the federal register on Tuesday, marks a shift in U.S. travel rules.
Under the proposal, all travelers would need to provide details of their social media from the past five years before entering the country.
Moreover, the request has been placed under an official notice, showing that the change is more than an idea.
It signals a major push by U.S. authorities to expand digital screening.
According to the notice, “CBP is adding social media as a mandatory data element for an ESTA application.”
Officials also stated that “the data element will require ESTA applicants to provide their social media from the last five years.”
These statements highlight how seriously U.S. agencies are treating the new measure.
At the moment, citizens from more than 40 countries can enter the United States for short stays without a visa.
They only need an Electronic System for Travel Authorization, known as an ESTA.
The ESTA costs $40 and stays valid for two years.
However, the new proposal would affect all visitors, whether they arrive under the visa waiver program or with a normal visa.
Furthermore, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection explained that the rule would apply to every person seeking entry.
In addition, the CBP stated that the goal is to improve security checks for travelers.
The social media rule would also change the online ESTA system.
The proposal aims to make the US social media travel requirement a standard part of the form.
This plan comes at a time when digital footprints are used more often in global security checks.
