Trump Plan Would Force Tourists to Share Years of Social Media Posts Before Entering US
The Trump administration is proposing a new rule that would require all foreign tourists to disclose their social media history from the past five years before entering the United States. According to a notice published Tuesday in the Federal Register, the data collection would be mandatory for all non-U.S. citizens, including travelers from visa-waiver countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany.
Currently, citizens of these countries can enter the U.S. using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) without applying for a traditional visa. The proposed policy would add new layers of screening, potentially complicating travel for millions of visitors.
In addition to social media identifiers, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) plans to collect email addresses, phone numbers, and the names and addresses of family members used or associated with the traveler over the last five years.
The announcement comes amid a broader tightening of immigration and entry policies under President Donald Trump, who campaigned on increased border security. Advocacy groups—including the Electronic Frontier Foundation—have criticized similar measures introduced earlier in the year, calling them unprecedented and aimed at expanding government surveillance.
The proposal also coincides with preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will bring international visitors to the U.S. The public has 60 days to comment on the rule before it can move toward implementation.
Recent actions by the State Department include expanding “online presence reviews” to applicants for H-1B visas and attempting to revoke visas of individuals who participated in Gaza-related protests. The administration has also introduced new immigration restrictions following an incident involving an Afghan national accused in a Washington, D.C., shooting.
