United States to seek social media details from all visa applicants

  • 30/03/2018
The State Department wants all US applicants to submit their social media usernames.
The State Department wants all US applicants to submit their social media usernames. Photo credit: iStock

Travellers who want to visit the United States may now have to disclose their social media accounts to get in to the country.

The State Department wants all US visa applicants to submit their social media usernames, previous email address and phone numbers in an attempt to vet potential immigrants and visitors, according to a Bloomberg report. 

It reportedly wants the public's feedback on the proposed idea, which will affect nearly 15 million foreigners who apply for visas every year. 

The new rules would apply for immigrant and non-immigrant visas.

Such rules have previously been sought for extra scrutiny for applicants who travel to areas controlled by terrorist organisations. 

The public will have 60 days to make submissions on the proposal.

Newshub.