Proposal may go into effect later this year.
By Dileep Thekkethil
Panning a visit to the United States? Be prepared to divulge your social media passwords, including to Facebook and Twitter accounts, with the Department of Homeland Security immigration authorities.
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has moved a proposal asking the government to give approval to collect passwords of social media websites like Facebook and Twitter from people visiting the country on immigrant visas, reported The New York Times.
If approved, visitors entering the US will have to divulge their social media password details while filling the entry form or while applying for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) visa.
The CBP has not made it mandatory to produce the information as of now and after getting the feedback of the US government, it will decide on whether to implement the policy or not.
The proposal to collect passwords of foreign nationals was announced by the CBP last week in the Federal Register as an extra tool for investigation to screen out individuals who may have targeted the US in their social media.
CBP official reportedly told NYT: “Collecting social media data will enhance the existing investigative process and provide Department of Homeland Security greater clarity and visibility to possible nefarious activity.”
Vern Buchanan, a Congressman who lobbied for thorough scrutiny of social media information of tourists and immigrants was quoted by the Times as saying, “Voluntary disclosure won’t keep anyone safe. If we want to win on the digital battlefield, mandatory screening is required.”
The escalating incidents of terror attacks in western countries is seen as the immediate reason for CBP moving with the proposal to collect social media details, including password before entering the US.
While some people have opposed the proposal citing that collecting personal details is violation of privacy, some favor the policy as they feel such stringent measures are needed to keep the country and its people safe.