New US Proposal Seeks Five-Year Social Media History from Foreign Tourists

Sun Feb 15 2026 04:44:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The United States may implement a controversial requirement for foreign tourists to provide a five-year social media history as part of their visa-free entry process, raising concerns about privacy and tourism.

The US Department of Homeland Security has announced a proposal mandating foreign tourists from certain countries, including the UK, to submit their social media history from the past five years when applying for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). With the intention of enhancing national security, President Trump advocated for these measures despite potential implications for digital rights and tourism. Critics warn this could deter visitors and infringe on privacy rights, while the administration emphasizes safety and security in the decision-making process.

Tourists from dozens of countries, including the UK, could be required to provide a five-year social media history as part of their bid to enter the United States, based on a new proposal by US officials.

This initiative would apply to travelers eligible to visit the US for 90 days without a visa, upon submitting an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form.

Since resuming his presidency, President Donald Trump has moved to tighten border security generally, citing national security as the main impetus for these changes.

Analysts are voicing concerns that the new requirements could serve as a deterrent for potential visitors and lead to infringements on their digital rights.

Responding to inquiries about the possible adverse effects on tourism, Trump reassured, No. We're doing so well. We just want people to come over here, and safe. We want safety. We want security. We want to make sure we're not letting the wrong people come enter our country.

The administration anticipates an influx of tourists next year as America prepares to co-host the men's football World Cup with Canada and Mexico, followed by the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The proposal, which comes from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, has been published in the Federal Register and will invite public feedback for 60 days.

The document specifies that ESTA applicants will need to provide their social media data over the last five years, although details on which specific information is required remain vague.

Alongside the collection of social media information, the proposal also suggests gathering phone numbers and email addresses from the last five to ten years, along with additional details regarding family members.

Critiques of the proposal point to potential civil liberties infringements, with Sophia Cope from the Electronic Frontier Foundation emphasizing that heightened scrutiny could worsen privacy issues. Furthermore, increased ESTA evaluation times may pose practical challenges for applicants.

Historically, the Trump administration initiated similar examinations of social media accounts for visa applications, reiterating that American citizens expect their government to prioritize their safety.

Despite potential risks to tourism, notably from countries impacted by travel bans, the administration maintains these measures as necessary for national security. The proposal indicates a continued shift in US immigration policy amidst ongoing concerns over terrorist threats and public safety.