US DHS Plans Social Media Screening for Visa Waiver Entrants, Raising Civil Liberties Concerns
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to require travelers entering the United States under the ESTA visa waiver program from 42 countries to provide extensive social media histories covering the last five years, along with phone numbers from the past five years and email addresses from the past ten years. These checks would be conducted at the time applicants apply for entry approval.
Critics from free-speech and civil liberties organizations have condemned the plan as a form of censorship and mass data-trawling that could intimidate expression and erode fundamental rights. Human Rights Watch and similar groups argue the policy infringes on free speech and expression by granting government access to years of online activity.
European officials have also reacted negatively to the proposal. The European Commission noted that the plans were suggested but not yet confirmed, while German MEP Birgit Sippel described the measure as a dramatic overreach. Some commentators warn that the policy might severely damage US tourism, including for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, by deterring potential visitors.
Supporters of the policy, including the White House, contend that this measure is essential for national safety and security to prevent the admission of individuals who might pose threats.
