US could demand five-year social media history from tourists before allowing entry

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has proposed a new rule that would require tourists from Europe and other regions to provide a five-year social media history before being granted entry into the United States. This proposal is part of an executive order issued by President Trump, aimed at strengthening U.S. borders and reducing what he calls "illegal immigration." Under the proposed rule, applicants would be required to list all their social media handles used over the past five years and make their privacy settings "public." The CBP may also request applicants' telephone numbers, email addresses, and information about family members. The new requirements are expected to increase wait times and significantly boost the cost of enforcing the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which currently costs $40 and allows for 90-day visits. Some travelers, such as Australian tourists planning to visit the U.S. for the World Cup, have already abandoned their plans due to the "horrifying" new rules. While the CBP emphasizes that the proposal is still under consideration, the potential impact on tourism is a concern. The Trump administration, however, is not worried about a decline in tourism, with the President stating that they want to ensure the "right people" enter the country.