In brief
Under a new proposal by American officials, foreign tourists visiting the US may be mandated to provide their social media history from the past five years as a prerequisite for entry. The initiative targets those eligible for a visa waiver under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program, affecting tens of thousands of visitors each year. The move has elicited backlash regarding potential privacy infringements and impacts on tourism.
Tourists from dozens of countries including the UK could be asked to provide a five-year social media history as a condition of entry to the United States, under a new proposal unveiled by American officials.
The new condition would affect people from dozens of countries who are eligible to visit the US for 90 days without a visa, as long as they have filled out an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form.
Since returning to the White House in January, President Donald Trump has moved to toughen US borders more generally - citing national security as a reason.
Analysts say the new plan could pose an obstacle to potential visitors, or harm their digital rights.
Asked whether the proposal could lead to a steep drop-off in tourism to the US, Trump said he was not concerned. No. We're doing so well, the president said, emphasizing that safety and security are priorities.
The US expects a significant influx of foreign tourists next year as it hosts the men's football World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, and for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The proposal document filed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was published in the Federal Register. It aims to invite public feedback for 60 days.
As part of the new requirements, applicants may also need to provide phone numbers and email addresses from the past five to ten years, as well as details about family members.
Critics argue this could infringe on civil liberties, and immigration lawyers warn of longer ESTA approval waits. Analysts fear that such stringent measures might deter visitors, thereby negatively impacting the US tourism sector.
