US Proposes Radical New Screening Measure for Visa-Exempt Travelers, Demanding Personal Data from Social Media to Homeland Security.
A proposed rule by the Department of Homeland Security would require foreign nationals traveling under the Visa Waiver Program to provide extensive personal data, including social media information and metadata from phone accounts over the past five years. This measure is part of a broader effort to enhance national security and ensure that only trustworthy individuals enter the United States.
The new requirements are set to apply to travelers from more than 30 countries who don't need visas for visits of up to three months. They would be required to submit information on their social media accounts, including posts, comments, and likes, as well as details about email addresses used over the past decade. Furthermore, they must provide metadata related to photos submitted electronically, along with family member data, including birthplaces and phone numbers.
These enhanced screening measures come amid a renewed focus on national security by the current administration. President Donald Trump has stated that the aim is to "make sure we're not letting the wrong people come into our country." Critics have expressed concerns about these new requirements, particularly in regards to free speech rights and the potential for misuse of personal data.
The proposed rule is currently open for public comment until January 9th. When finalized, it would represent a significant shift in how U.S. authorities screen visa-exempt travelers. Those traveling under the program must now fill out an application that asks for limited questions about their family members, whereas the new requirements demand much more personal data.
As part of a larger effort to vet those entering the country, Customs and Border Protection is revisiting screening procedures. Following the terrorist attack on the National Guard in Washington D.C., they are looking at ways to enhance checks on travelers and immigrants alike.
This measure has sparked debates about national security and individual rights. Some experts argue that these measures could infringe upon free speech and civil liberties, whereas others see them as a necessary step towards safeguarding public safety.
A proposed rule by the Department of Homeland Security would require foreign nationals traveling under the Visa Waiver Program to provide extensive personal data, including social media information and metadata from phone accounts over the past five years. This measure is part of a broader effort to enhance national security and ensure that only trustworthy individuals enter the United States.
The new requirements are set to apply to travelers from more than 30 countries who don't need visas for visits of up to three months. They would be required to submit information on their social media accounts, including posts, comments, and likes, as well as details about email addresses used over the past decade. Furthermore, they must provide metadata related to photos submitted electronically, along with family member data, including birthplaces and phone numbers.
These enhanced screening measures come amid a renewed focus on national security by the current administration. President Donald Trump has stated that the aim is to "make sure we're not letting the wrong people come into our country." Critics have expressed concerns about these new requirements, particularly in regards to free speech rights and the potential for misuse of personal data.
The proposed rule is currently open for public comment until January 9th. When finalized, it would represent a significant shift in how U.S. authorities screen visa-exempt travelers. Those traveling under the program must now fill out an application that asks for limited questions about their family members, whereas the new requirements demand much more personal data.
As part of a larger effort to vet those entering the country, Customs and Border Protection is revisiting screening procedures. Following the terrorist attack on the National Guard in Washington D.C., they are looking at ways to enhance checks on travelers and immigrants alike.
This measure has sparked debates about national security and individual rights. Some experts argue that these measures could infringe upon free speech and civil liberties, whereas others see them as a necessary step towards safeguarding public safety.
. Can't believe they're asking for social media info and phone records from 5 yrs ago... like, what's next? DNA testing or something? 
And it's not just about free speech, it's also a huge security risk if these things get hacked 
. I mean, I'm all for keeping our country safe, but do we really need to sacrifice our personal freedom in the process? 
I just can't help but think about how this new screening measure might impact our digital footprints, you know? As someone who's been around the block a few times, I'm all for keeping our country safe, but do we really need to dig up everyone's social media history like it's some kinda digital trash can? 
... it feels like we're living in some dystopian movie where our every move is being watched and tracked. I remember when I was traveling to Europe back in the day, all I needed was my passport and a smile 
... but at what cost? I'm just worried that we're losing something precious in the process 
.
It sounds like a recipe for a whole lot of data mining, which just begs the question: are we really making our country safer or just getting creepier? 
The government should focus on more tangible threats, like cyber attacks or organized crime... this feels like overkill to me. 
It seems so invasive, you know? Like, we're already sharing way too much info online and now they wanna add more? 
And what's with the social media stuff? That's like, super personal 
. I get that national security is important and all, but can't we find other ways to vet people without compromising our freedoms? 
A new rule requiring social media info from international travelers? That's just not needed, fam. I mean, what's next? Asking for our DNA? 
It's just another example of the government overstepping its bounds and threatening our personal freedoms. And don't even get me started on the metadata – like, who needs all that info from our phone accounts? 
That's just a recipe for a major breach. And what about free speech concerns? You're basically asking people to log into their social media accounts and give up some of their private moments. Not cool, DHS. Not cool. 
seriously though, i'm all for safety and security but this is getting out of hand. social media info and metadata from 5 yrs ago? it's just too much