US May Demand 5-Year Social Media History From Visitors
Tourists from dozens of countries, including the United Kingdom, could soon be required to submit a five-year social media history as a condition for entering the United States, following a new proposal unveiled by American officials.
The proposal, which forms part of broader border security and vetting reforms, would expand existing disclosure requirements for visa applicants to include travellers who currently benefit from visa-free or simplified entry arrangements. If approved, visitors would be asked to list social media platforms they have used over the past five years, along with associated usernames.
US authorities say the measure is aimed at strengthening national security by allowing immigration officials to better assess potential risks before travellers arrive. Officials argue that online activity can provide useful context during background checks, especially in an era of transnational security threats.
However, the proposal has already sparked concern among civil liberties groups and privacy advocates, who warn that such a requirement could infringe on personal privacy, discourage travel, and raise questions about how social media data would be stored, analysed, and protected.
Tourism and business groups have also expressed fears that the policy could deter visitors from key allied countries, potentially affecting travel flows, cultural exchange, and economic activity.
The proposal has not yet taken effect and would still need to go through regulatory review and implementation processes. US officials say further guidance will be issued if the policy is adopted, including clarity on how the information would be used and who would be affected.
For now, travellers are being advised to monitor official updates as discussions around the proposal continue.