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MAKING the trip across the pond to the land of the free anytime soon – perhaps for next year’s World Cup?
The border force of President Trump has proposed new measures that could require you to surrender up to five years’ worth of your social media history.
The plan will affect countries whose residents are able to visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa – including the UK and Spain.
Currently, citizens from 42 designated countries are allowed to enter the US as long as they have an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), which currently requires a limited amount of information and costs about €35.
If approved, the ESTA will allow travel for a period of two years.
The contents of a report filed by the Department of Homeland Security, together with Customs and Border Protection agency CBP this week suggest that tighter rules are on the way.
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The proposal says ‘the data element will require ESTA applicants to provide their social media for the last five years’.
In addition, applicants will have to disclose their phone numbers and emails used in the last five and ten year period. They may also be asked for additional information on family members.
The authorities may even ask for DNA samples from applicants. The Independent.
US officials say the move will protect the country’s borders and improve national security, following on from an executive order signed by Trump in January titled, ‘Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats’.
But critics have slammed the proposal as draconian, with Sophia Cope of digital rights organisation Electronic Frontier Foundation warning that it could ‘exacerbate civil liberties harms’.
CBP spokesperson said that nothing has changed in this regard for people coming into the United States.
“This isn’t a final rule. This is just the first step to start a discussion on new policy options for keeping the American people safe.”
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A new proposal will be open to public debate for 60 days.
There have been several reports of travellers already turned away over anti-Trump social media posts and messages found on their personal devices – including one young Norwegian who had a meme depicting vice president JD Vance on his mobile.
The Trump administration announced previously that it would be examining the social media profiles of foreign nationals requesting visas for students or skilled workers.
It also said all accounts must be made ‘public’ so screening can take place.
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