U.S. Proposes Five-Year Social Media History Requirement for Tourists

The U.S. government, under the Trump administration, has proposed a requirement for tourists from 42 visa-waiver countries to submit five years of social media history as part of their entry process. This proposal, detailed in a notice from the Department of Homeland Security, aims to enhance security measures against potential threats, tying back to Executive Order 14161, which mandates scrutiny of foreign nationals to protect U.S. security.

Alongside social media history, tourists must provide emails used over the past decade and contact details of immediate family members. Concerns surrounding this initiative have been raised by various experts, including Marissa Montes from Loyola Law School, who pointed out the lack of clear guidelines on what constitutes a national security threat, potentially allowing for broad discretion in enforcement.

Critics like Jemimah Steinfeld from Index on Censorship warn that this could lead to discrimination based on political views expressed online, potentially impacting international tourism. Additionally, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, worries have emerged regarding how such requirements may deter visitors during this major event, which the U.S. co-hosts with Canada and Mexico.

The measure is currently open for public comment before any implementation, but its implications for privacy, data security, and tourism remain significant.