The US plans to implement social media checks upon entry

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) plans to require tourists entering the United States to disclose their social media accounts. A proposed amendment submitted by CBP states that travelers would have to provide border officials with access to their social media posts from the past five years.

Social media platforms include TikTok, X, and Instagram. The document is not legally binding; after its publication in the Federal Register, it will initially be open for discussion.

Such a tightening of the rules would affect all visitors entering the USA with an electronic travel authorization (ESTA) – the standard visa-free authorization for leisure and business travelers from more than 40 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This allows a stay in the USA of up to 90 days.

Check residency status and political statements?

The US authorities justify the planned change with the need to «protect the US from foreign terrorists and other threats to national and public security.» The mandatory auditing of social media activity is part of a larger package which, if it comes into effect, would regulate comprehensive data collection for tracking entry and exit.

It was revealed as early as August that the US government had significantly expanded its vetting of visa holders. According to a report in the Washington Post, millions of people already in the US were being scrutinized – with an intensive examination of their online activity. The stated aim was to revoke visas if there was evidence of overstaying or criminal activity.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also announced that it would screen immigrants for potential «anti-American» statements online when they apply for asylum. The administration under President Donald Trump is cracking down on immigrants residing in the US without valid legal status.