Story perspectives

New Visa Rule Requires Five Years of Social Media Data

12/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that tourists from 42 countries, including Australia, must disclose five years of social media activity for a visa waiver.
The policy is rooted in a Trump-era executive order and has alarmed Australian travelers who altered plans or avoided the United States.
Critics say the measures are draconian and threaten freedoms due to the breadth of data collection, including family members' personal information.

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Story summary

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that tourists from 42 countries, including Australia, must disclose five years of social media activity for a visa waiver.
The policy is rooted in a Trump-era executive order and has alarmed Australian travelers who altered plans or avoided the United States.
Critics say the measures are draconian and threaten freedoms due to the breadth of data collection, including family members' personal information.