The US government is considering a policy that would require visitors from dozens of countries to submit five years of social media history as part of their travel authorization. The proposal, filed by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Tuesday, would affect travelers from the 42 countries currently participating in the visa waiver program – including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Australia.
Expanding Scrutiny of Incoming Travelers
Currently, visitors from these countries can enter the US for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they obtain electronic travel authorization, pay a $40 fee, and submit basic personal information. The proposed change would drastically expand that requirement, mandating the disclosure of social media accounts dating back five years.
The policy would also extend to requesting email addresses from the last decade, along with extensive family history, including names, birth dates, places of residence, and birthplaces of parents, spouses, siblings, and children. CBP has not clarified which social media platforms would be targeted or how certain posts might affect entry decisions.
Security Concerns Drive the Shift
The move comes amid heightened security concerns following an alleged shooting incident in Washington, DC, where a National Guard member was killed in November by an Afghan national. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has since expanded travel bans from certain countries.
Officials emphasize that this is merely a “discussion” to enhance vetting procedures, but the proposal underscores an ongoing trend toward stricter immigration controls under the current administration. The policy is framed as a measure to “keep the American people safe,” though critics raise questions about privacy implications and the potential for discriminatory enforcement.
Timing Coincides With Major Events
The proposal arrives six months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the US is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico. The event is expected to draw millions of foreign tourists, raising concerns about logistical challenges and heightened security demands.
The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed change, with submissions due by February 9 via email to [email protected]. The policy follows an earlier announcement requiring some visa applicants to make their social media profiles public.
The push for deeper digital scrutiny of travelers reflects a broader shift toward aggressive vetting practices, raising concerns about overreach and the erosion of privacy in the name of security. The move is likely to fuel debate over the balance between national security and individual freedoms, particularly as large-scale international events approach.
