US plans to scrutinize foreign tourists' social media history
nytimes.comCBP’s proposal is here.
https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2025-22461...
They’re asking for information from foreign tourists that not even a security clearance applicant would be required to provide.
That's a tough talk, but it is unlikely to be. I have been in USA few months ago. There were 2 (two) people processing ESTA queue despite having like 10 booths in there, it took me almost 2 hours to get through it.
Now they want to scrutinize social media? Who is going to do that?
AI models, likely. My prediction:
You'll sign a waiver / consent form agreeing that they can scan and copy the contents of your phone, and gain access to your social media profiles. Then they'll feed all that content into some AI system which looks for "suspicious" activity, which I'm guessing means:
- Pro Palestine or Anti-Israel content.
- Support for any declared terrorist organizations.
- Content related to drugs and drug paraphernalia.
- Content critical to USA, in any shape or form.
I further assume that if the models detect such things, you'll be brought into questioning - and depending on how severe the issues are, you'll either get to enter the country, or be deported back.
People tend to forget that the CBP officers have pretty much supreme control, and the last word on who gets to enter and who don't. They can deny you entry on pretty much any suspicion and hunch.
I would expect that if anything is found, ESTA is automatically denied, not that they will let me fly over Atlantic just to sit me on flight back.
It is easy. The agents at the border will not be doing anything. They will just look at the screen and see if there is warning/red flag next to it provided by some automatic system. Obviously this system will be wrong often but who cares, when you are building an authoritarian state.
> Who is going to do that?
An administration-linked tech corporation. Or failing that, the lowest bidder.
Related:
State Department to deny visas to fact checkers and others, citing 'censorship'
I don't think people want to go there anyway do they?
Put another way:
America speed running "destroy your international tourism market".