TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PROPOSES SOCIAL MEDIA CHECKS FOR CHINESE VISITORS
March 10, 2017
In late 2016 former President Obama implemented a social media screening procedure for travelers entering the U.S. from Visa Waiver Program countries. The Trump Administration is now proposing to expand this to Chinese visitors to the United States.
In so doing, CBP agents would ask Chinese visitors to provide their social media handles or identifiers on common social media platforms like Facebook, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube during the entry process. The disclosure would be completed online as part of the electronic system used by Chinese travelers holding long term business and visitors visas. According to the notice set for publication in the Federal Register, the question would be optional and those not wishing to provide such information would have their travel requests processed without negative interference.
Proponents of the proposal cite to homeland security concerns and the need to protect American citizens. Critics of the proposal are concerned about its impact on American travelers who visit other countries. Whereas many governments grant visas on a reciprocity basis, critics argue that other governments may begin requiring U.S. citizens to make similar disclosures when traveling abroad. Additionally, online privacy advocates and technology firms are wary of the privacy implications of this idea and the general effectiveness of this proposed practice as a whole.
Following the proposal’s publication in the Federal Register, interested parties will have 60 days to file public comments.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6665).
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