The US is tightening its borders again—this time, your social feeds are the new front line. If you dream of walking down Times Square or lounging in California, be ready to share much more about yourself. The Trump administration’s latest move could mean handing over your online life before you even book that flight.
Discover our latest podcast
Foreign Tourists Face Unprecedented Disclosure Demands
Ever wondered how much of your digital life the government can see? According to a sweeping proposal from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Donald Trump’s administration wants every international visitor—and yes, even those from countries like the UK, France, Germany, or Australia—to hand over up to five years of their social media history for admission to the United States.
It’s not only about your recent posts: visitors would need to list all email addresses and phone numbers used over the last five years. Even more invasive, the rules require details on family members—names, dates of birth, addresses—and in some cases, biometric identifiers such as facial scans, fingerprints, or iris data.
What’s driving this? Security, officials say. The US government cites recent attacks and fears of “anti-American” opinions slipping through the cracks. Officially announced through the Federal Register, these rules invite the American public to comment, but their scope is already sparking global uncertainty. Even those visiting for world-famous events, like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, could have to pass the digital test to set foot on US soil.
No One Is Exempt: Rules Hit Even Trusted Allies and Casual Tourists
Previously, citizens from 42 countries could enter the US for short trips using the streamlined ESTA process—no visa, just a quick online application. With these changes, however, even British or Japanese families holidaying in Disneyland California will be asked to pull up five years of online history.
The new rules stretch far beyond traditional tourist visas. They would apply to business travellers, students, and anyone seeking a temporary (and sometimes even permanent) US stay. According to official communications, all data collected could be reviewed for “attitudes hostile to American citizens, culture or institutions.”
The new demands may also affect foreign journalists and even those applying for work visas, such as the H-1B, whose application fees have just gone up. The expectation is not only for transparency but for proof of ideological compatibility—agents now explicitly check for signs of “anti-Americanism.” As The Guardian points out, “refusal to unlock devices at the border could result in denial of entry.”
Tourism and Civil Liberties Groups Sound the Alarm
Of course, this wave of digital scrutiny hasn’t gone unnoticed. According to media like the New York Times and CBS News, critics warn of dire social consequences—civil liberties, privacy, and even basic freedom of speech are now potentially on the line for millions of aspiring visitors.
Those voicing concern include constitutional scholars and advocacy groups. “It’s a privacy nightmare,” critics stress, fearing that travellers might self-censor, quit social networks, or skip the US entirely. Sarah McLaughlin from Fire pointedly states:
“There is a real risk this leads to self-censorship and creates a chilling effect on freedom of expression.”
Hospitality insiders and tourism boards, meanwhile, worry about the financial impact. The US already faces a sharp dip in international travel—California, for one, predicts a 9% drop in foreign visitors; Las Vegas and Hollywood Boulevard are feeling the squeeze. Restrictions like the proposed $100 daily fee for tourists in national parks and new taxes for non-visa-exempt visitors only fuel the perception that the US is less welcoming.
With more robust checks and unpredictable refusals at the border, from sudden device searches to questions about prior online moderation or fact-checking roles, the road to America is rockier than ever.
What’s Next for Travellers and US Policy?
The American public has a short window to weigh in—just 60 days—before these sweeping changes could take effect. For millions eager to visit, work, or reunite with family in the US, the future hasn’t felt this uncertain in years. As rights groups push back and travel agencies scramble for clarity, one thing’s definite: the digital past is now your passport’s partner.
Will these measures really make America safer, or only shrink the country’s status as a global hub? For now, social media is in the spotlight—and travellers everywhere are watching.
Read more:
Donald Trump receives historic FIFA Peace Prize at World Cup draw, sparking debate
Deadly Shooting in DC: Trump Calls for the Toughest Border Crackdown Yet
Melania Trump Announces Launch of New Film Production Company
Sources used:
Trump to force all foreign tourists to provide FIVE YEARS of social media history before entering the US
Trump administration plans to check 5 years of social media for visitors
Tourists to US would have to reveal five years of social media activity under new Trump plan
Trump Plan Would Allow Government to Check 5 Years of Tourists' Social Media History Before They Visit the U.S.
