Usually when you enter a country that you’re a tourist in, you have to have a visa and show proof of funds and state a reason why you’re visiting. Those are some of the basic requirements for most places around the world. However, in the future, the Trump administration is considering “mandatory” social media reviews for travelers into the United States.
Trump wants “mandatory” social media reviews for travelers
According to a proposal from US Customs and Border Protection, it suggests that the Trump administration wants to make it mandatory for travelers to undergo social media reviews . This means that when you enter the US, the past five years of your social media history could be part of the screening process .
Visitors could also be required to submit additional information “when feasible.” We’re talking about email addresses used over the past 10 years, phone numbers used in the past five years, extensive family member information, and even your biometric data. This goes beyond what’s currently required, which is an email address, phone number, home address, and emergency contact information.
This sounds familiar
If this proposal sounds familiar, it’s because it’s not exactly new. Back in 2019, the US Department of State implemented a social media disclosure policy. Unsurprisingly, that was when Trump was in his first term as President of the United States.
What makes this proposal different is that it targets basically anyone entering into the US as a traveler. Prior to that, social media disclosure was only limited to visa applicants. Now, this proposal seems to target everyone, including those from countries that have visa-free entry into the US.
This includes visitors from 42 countries, such as Australia, France, Germany, Japan, and the UK. Coincidentally, all of whom can be considered as allies of the US. Like we said, we don’t know if this proposal will go through. However, it could potentially make trips to the US a bit more difficult in the future.
