• US plans to require visa-exempt travelers to disclose five years of social media history.
• This requirement applies to visitors from 42 countries under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
• Additional personal details such as email addresses, phone numbers, and biometric information will also be collected.
• The public has 60 days to comment on this proposal before it is finalized.
• This rule is part of broader efforts to enhance national security and track immigration.

The Trump administration is set to require foreign tourists from visa-exempt countries to submit their social media histories from the past five years before entering the United States. This new proposal affects travelers from 42 nations, including those from Europe and parts of Asia, who currently utilize the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for entry, allowing stays of up to 90 days without a visa, according to Channel News Asia, SCMP, and Al Jazeera.

The mandatory collection of social media data would supplement the existing information required on the ESTA applications, which currently requests limited personal details. Under the proposed guidelines, applicants would need to provide their social media history, as well as previous phone numbers, email addresses, and even biometric data, including fingerprints and DNA, as per the notices published in the Federal Register and reported by India Times, Los Angeles Times, and Jakarta Post.

Many officials express concerns about the implications of this proposed rule, suggesting it could lead to delays in processing ESTA applications and deter foreign travelers from visiting the U.S. The proposal has not yet been finalized and is open for public comments over the next 60 days, according to Africanews and SCMP.

The proposal aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance national security and track the activities of individuals entering the U.S. President Trump has emphasized the necessity of preventing entry by potential threats, stating that the new rules are intended to bolster security despite concerns about tourism impacts, as discussed in reports by Los Angeles Times and Al Jazeera.