The United States government has caused a stir by announcing that it will now review the social media activity history of anyone applying for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), the requirement for visa-free entry into the country.
The decision, published last Wednesday in the Federal Register, confirms that social media profiles will now be required of all applicants to the Visa Waiver Program.
This enhanced screening measure directly affects citizens of some forty countries, including major allies like France, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Japan, whose nationals are permitted to stay in the United States for up to 90 days.
In addition to social media activity, the new notification also requires detailed information on the phone numbers and email addresses used by applicants over the past five years, making a thorough review of this data highly likely.
More conventionally, the procedure will also request specific biographical information on travelers’ family members, including their phone numbers, dates of birth, and places of birth.
This new examination model, which is due to come into effect soon, is already raising concerns about privacy and will certainly have a significant logistical impact on travellers, especially those planning to attend the 2026 World Cup which will take place on American soil.