US Border Protection Proposes SM Checks for Visitors

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has proposed expanding the information it collects from foreign travelers by requiring visitors from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to disclose their social media identifiers as part of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application process. The proposal would mark a significant expansion of digital and personal data collection for millions of international travelers entering the United States without a visa.

Under the proposed changes, VWP travelers would be asked to provide social media usernames or identifiers used on various platforms, alongside additional personal details not currently required. CBP said the information would be used to enhance identity verification, assess potential security risks, and support immigration enforcement activities. While providing social media identifiers has been optional in some U.S. immigration forms, the proposal would formalize and standardize the practice for ESTA applicants.

In addition to social media information, CBP is seeking to collect travelers’ phone numbers and physical addresses covering the past five years. The proposal also calls for applicants to submit expanded family information, including details on parents, spouses, and children going back as far as ten years. CBP said this historical data would help officials better evaluate travel patterns, identity consistency, and potential security concerns.

The proposal has sparked debate among privacy advocates, travel industry groups, and civil liberties organizations. Critics argue that the collection of social media data raises concerns about surveillance, data misuse, and freedom of expression, particularly given the subjective nature of interpreting online activity. They also warn that expanded data requirements could discourage legitimate travel and add friction to an otherwise streamlined entry process.

Supporters of the proposal contend that social media screening has become an essential tool in modern border security, allowing authorities to identify potential threats that may not be evident through traditional documentation alone. CBP has emphasized that the review would focus on publicly available information and that robust safeguards would be in place to protect traveler data.

If approved, the changes would apply to travelers from 40 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, including much of Europe, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. ESTA authorization is required prior to boarding flights to the U.S., and approval is generally valid for two years.

CBP said the proposal is part of an ongoing effort to modernize border security systems and adapt to evolving security challenges. The agency is currently seeking public feedback before finalizing the rules, with any approved changes expected to be implemented through updates to the ESTA application.

As governments worldwide increasingly turn to digital data for border control, the proposal underscores the growing intersection of travel, technology, and privacy in international mobility.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com