### US Administration Proposes Social Media Disclosure for Foreign Tourists The Trump administration is set to implement a new policy requiring foreign tourists from 42 visa-exempt countries to disclose their social media histories from the past five years prior to entering the United States. This proposal, published in the Federal Register, targets visitors from countries such as Britain, France, Australia, and Japan, who currently only need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) waiver to enter the U.S. This move is part of a broader trend of tightening immigration policies under the Trump administration aimed at enhancing national security and monitoring potential threats from foreign visitors [https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/world/us-plans-to-order-foreign-tourists-to-disclose-social-media-histories, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/10/us-to-inspect-tourists-social-media-history-from-past-5-years-.html]. ### Breakdown of the Proposed Policy and Its Implications 1. **Policy Overview**: - The new requirement mandates that tourists provide their social media history for the last five years. - This applies to travelers from 42 countries that currently enjoy visa-free access to the U.S. [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/us-plans-to-mandate-social-media-checks-for-visa-free-visitors]. 2. **Targeted Countries**: - The policy affects visitors from notable countries including: - United Kingdom - France - Australia - Japan - Singapore - Czech Republic [https://www.afr.com/world/north-america/australians-need-to-provide-their-social-media-to-enter-the-us-20251210-p5nmob, https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/global/us-plans-mandate-social-media-checks-visa-free-visitors-including-those-singapore]. 3. **Rationale Behind the Policy**: - The administration argues that this measure is necessary for national security, allowing for better vetting of individuals entering the country. - It is part of a series of actions aimed at restricting entry and enhancing scrutiny of foreign visitors [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/us-plans-to-mandate-social-media-checks-for-visa-free-visitors?brid=gbUcpq4tPXre-29B8OF3Kw]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Implementation Timeline**: The proposal was officially published on December 10, 2025, indicating a swift move towards implementation [https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2025/Dec/10/us-plans-to-order-foreign-tourists-to-disclose-social-media-histories-from-last-five-years]. - **Public Reaction**: Initial reactions to the proposal have raised concerns about privacy and the potential for discrimination against certain nationalities [https://abc7ny.com/post/tourists-42-countries-will-have-submit-5-years-social-media-history-enter-us-trump-plan/18272541]. - **Historical Context**: This policy aligns with previous measures taken by the Trump administration to increase scrutiny on immigration and foreign visitors, reflecting a broader trend in U.S. immigration policy [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-tourists-social-media-history-5-years-trump]. ### Conclusion: Implications of the New Social Media Disclosure Requirement In summary, the Trump administration's proposed requirement for foreign tourists to disclose five years of social media history represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy. 1. **Increased Scrutiny**: This policy is expected to enhance the scrutiny of foreign visitors, potentially impacting travel from the affected countries. 2. **Privacy Concerns**: The requirement raises important questions about privacy and the extent of government oversight in personal online activities. 3. **Broader Policy Trends**: This move is part of a larger pattern of tightening immigration controls, reflecting ongoing national security concerns. The implications of this policy will likely resonate across international travel and diplomatic relations, as countries respond to the U.S.'s heightened security measures [https://www.expats.cz/czech-news/article/u-s-wants-to-review-5-years-of-social-media].