US plans to order foreign tourists to disclose social media histories
America
By
AFP
| Dec 10, 2025
The administration of US President Donald Trump plans to order visa-exempt foreign tourists to disclose their social media histories from the last five years before entering the country, according to an official notice.
The proposal laid out in a notice published Tuesday in the Federal Register would apply to visitors from 42 countries, including Britain, France, Australia and Japan, who do not need a visa to enter the United States.
Currently, those travellers only need apply for a waiver known as the Electonic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which still requires them to provide certain personal details.
Under the proposed new rules, the collection of social media data would become a "mandatory" part of ESTA applications.
Applicants would need to provide their social media histories from the last five years, according to the notice.
READ MORE
Pepsi rolls out festive 'Fizzmas' campaign targeting peak holiday consumption
End of an era: UK drinks giant Diageo set to exit Kenya, sells EABL stake for Sh297b
Kenya coffee market earns Sh1.87 billion on strong auction sales
Fluorspar project gets back on track
Bamburi to set up Sh32b clinker plant after Amsons takeover
How private sector is missing out on Kenya's preferential trade deals
Why KQ board has picked Egyptian Kamal to replace Kilavuka
Why Ruto's infrastructure Fund is in the spot
Boost for women in creative economy after new incubation funding deal
How venture capital firm is building the next generation of entrepreneurs
They would also have to submit other "high-value data fields" including phone numbers from the last five years, email addresses from the past decade, personal details of family members and biometric information.
The public has 60 days to comment on the proposal.
The Trump administration has tightened curbs on entering the United States, part of a sweeping crackdown on migration.
Along with Mexico and Canada, the country will host the 2026 World Cup, which is certain to attract large numbers of soccer fans from across the world.