According to a recent proposal released by US officials, visitors from dozens of nations, including the UK, may be required to submit a five-year social media history in order to be admitted to the US.
As long as they have completed an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) form, individuals from dozens of nations who are permitted to enter the United States for ninety days without a visa would be subject to the new requirement.
Citing national security as a primary justification, President Donald Trump has taken steps to tighten US borders more broadly since taking office again in January.
According to analysts, the new approach might make it difficult for prospective tourists or violate their digital rights.
In addition to hosting the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and the men’s football World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, the US anticipates a significant influx of foreign visitors next year.
The agency is a member of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which submitted the proposal document.
According to US media, it was published in the Federal Register, the government’s official journal. DHS has been contacted by the BBC for comment.
The plan states that “the data element will require ESTA applicants to provide their social media from the last 5 years” but does not specify which particular data will be needed.
Here’s a more natural, human-style rewrite that flows like a news story:
The US is expecting a surge in foreign visitors in the coming years, with the men’s football World Cup set to be hosted alongside Canada and Mexico, followed by the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The proposal was submitted by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees the agency. US media say it was published in the Federal Register, the US government’s official journal, though the BBC has contacted DHS for comment.
According to the document, ESTA applicants would be required to provide details of their social media activity from the past five years, although it does not spell out exactly what information would be collected.
At present, the ESTA system requires only basic personal details and a one-time fee of $40 (£30). It is open to citizens from around 40 countries — including the UK, Ireland, France, Australia, and Japan — and allows multiple visits to the US over a two-year period.
Under the proposed changes, authorities would also collect phone numbers used over the past five years, email addresses from the last 10 years, and additional information about applicants’ family members.
The document refers to an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump in January, titled “Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.”
