US proposal to inspect social media history of visa-waiver travelers sparks concerns on privacy

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Under a proposal by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries may soon be required to submit up to five years of their social media history to enter the United States, raising concerns over privacy and potential impacts on tourism industry.

This new requirement, part of an executive order signed in January, mandates that travelers complete their Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application with social media details from the past five years. ESTA is used to determine eligibility for visa-free travel to the United States for up to 90 days.

The proposal also asks applicants to provide additional data when possible, including phone numbers, email addresses, IP addresses, family names, and biometric information such as fingerprints and facial recognition.

The rule would affect travelers from numerous countries in the Visa Waiver Program, including most European nations, as well as Australia, Japan, South Korea, and others. The proposal is open for public comments for 60 days.

The proposal has sparked debate over privacy. Some ESTA travelers said that while the requirement would not directly affect them, the level of scrutiny itself is troubling.   "I don't think so it's right, but I am okay with that because I don't have what to hide, too," said Anita Durdic, a tourist from Slovakia.   "I, at first, wouldn't have a problem because I don't show much of my opinions, my preferences, whether political or about brands and all that. So, since I don't post those things, it's irrelevant to me," said Valentin Lombardo, a tourist from Argentina, which is not under the Visa Waiver Program.

Others voiced opposition on the grounds of privacy.

"I think it's good to see some posts on Instagram, maybe TikTok, if it's not something bad or illegal. But I don't know, email. I think it's not a great way. Why do you need to see my email? There's nothing wrong with it. I think it's something private for me, and I don't like people to see my things," said Teresa from Czech Republic, one of the affected countries.

The move is part of broader efforts by the United States to tighten immigration controls. The U.S. State Department reported this week that 85,000 visas have been revoked since January, more than double the number of revocations from the previous year. 

US proposal to inspect social media history of visa-waiver travelers sparks concerns on privacy

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that the issue of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is a spillover effect of the current conflicts, noting the Strait of Hormuz remains unstable if the war doesn't end.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

The Saudi Arabian foreign minister briefed Wang on the latest developments of the Middle East situation, saying the war in Iran has caused severe impacts on countries in the region and the world at large.

Saudi Arabia attaches importance to China's important role in international affairs, and values high-level strategic cooperation with China, he said, adding that the kingdom is ready to further enhance consultation and coordination with China on platforms including the United Nations, to jointly push for the de-escalation of the situation and an end to the conflict.

Wang noted that the prolonged war in Iran, which has lasted for over a month, has caused enormous casualties and losses, and undermined the security and stability of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, over which China expressed concerns.

Wang said China and Pakistan recently jointly issued a five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region, which includes safeguarding the sovereignty and security of the Gulf states, stopping attacks on civilians and non-military targets, and ensuring the security of shipping lanes.

Wang said the top priority is to focus on cessation of hostilities. Actions by the UN Security Council should avoid escalating confrontations and should not legitimize unauthorized military operations; otherwise, it will lead to endless trouble, with small and medium-sized countries being the first to bear the brunt, he added.

Wang noted that China appreciates Saudi Arabia's commitment to promoting peace and ceasefire, and stands ready to work with Saudi Arabia to make efforts for the early restoration of regional peace.

Chinese FM says Strait of Hormuz remains unstable if war doesn't end