Social media screening now impacts most US visa applicants
Most visa applicants are now being screened for their social media activity from the past five years.
The new requirement gives government officials access to a host personal data including photos and videos, email addresses, phone numbers and their location-based footprint.
It could potentially impact up to 15 million immigrant and non-immigrant applicants, according to the Associated Press.
It has been heavily criticized as another attack on privacy and freedom of speech.
There are fears a random comment made years ago could be taken out of context to deny a visa.
It is ‘a dangerous and problematic proposal’ said Hina Shamsi, director of the ACLU National Security Project.
"Research shows that this kind of monitoring has chilling effects, meaning that people are less likely to speak freely and connect with each other in online communities that are now essential to modern life."Shamsi added.
"We are constantly working to find mechanisms to improve our screening processes to protect U.S. citizens, while supporting legitimate travel to the United States," the state department said.
The new policy quietly came into effect last week.
Critics say it may deter people from applying for a visa for business, education or general tourism.
The new visa application forms also ask for international travel history and any deportation status, and if any family members have been involved in terrorist activities.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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