Threat Management

U.S. Customs and DHS: Passports please, and social media accounts?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agencies are looking to make social media accounts a part of the screening process for those entering or leaving the country.

The proposed change would be an optional data field used on forms that document a traveler's admission into the U.S. and on the electronic system for travel authorization used by those seeking to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program, according to proposed changes to the Federal Register.

If approved, users will be asked to provide information associated with their online presence, the provider/platform, and their social media identifier.

The DHS said the additional information will provide greater “clarity and visibility to possible nefarious activity  and connections by providing an additional tool set which analysts and investigators may use to better analyze and investigate the case,” according to the proposal. 

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