US plans social media checks for visitors who don't need visas

The US is proposing that foreign visitors provide their social media history over the last five years to enter the country, including those from Singapore, Australia, Germany, Japan and Britain who can now enter without a visa.

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US Customs and Border Protection “is adding social media as a mandatory data element” as part of the screening process for travellers entering the US under the Visa Waiver Program, according to a Department of Homeland Security notice posted on Dec 10.

The proposal was given a 60-day notice with requests for comments. It would apply to travellers from about 40 countries who can stay in the US for up to 90 days without a visa and are screened before travel under an electronic system known as ESTA.

The plan is the latest in a series of measures from the Trump administration aimed at restricting entry.

This has included a planned travel ban for around 30 countries announced in December following the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington.