Summary
The United States is considering a new rule that would require some foreign tourists to share their five-year social media history when applying to enter the country. This proposal would affect visitors from countries allowed to visit the U.S. for 90 days without a visa, using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The plan is part of the Trump administration's efforts to increase national security.
Key Facts
- The proposal requires tourists from certain countries to provide their social media history from the past five years.
- The rule applies to visitors eligible for the 90-day, visa-free travel under the ESTA program.
- The proposed change aims to enhance U.S. border security, per the Trump administration's broader policy.
- Tourists will also need to share their telephone numbers and emails from the last five and ten years, respectively.
- The plan is connected to an executive order for protecting the U.S. from foreign threats.
- Comments from the public are invited for 60 days on the proposal.
- Critics express concerns about potential privacy issues and longer wait times for travel authorizations.
