Story perspectives

U.S. Proposes Social Media Check for 42 Countries

12/15/2025

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection proposes requiring travelers from 42 countries to submit five years of social media history as part of ESTA.
The proposal stems from an Executive Order by U.S. President Donald Trump and aims to boost security by reviewing online activity.
The proposal has sparked backlash in the United Kingdom, with 40% opposing, and the public has 60 days to comment before implementation.

History

Historical Context

In 2017, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 13780, restricting entry from six predominantly Muslim countries—Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen—for 90 days. This order, which followed the controversial Executive Order 13769, aimed to enhance national security but faced significant legal challenges, with courts questioning its constitutionality and intent, reflecting ongoing tensions between security and civil liberties in U.S. immigration policy.

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Story summary

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection proposes requiring travelers from 42 countries to submit five years of social media history as part of ESTA.
The proposal stems from an Executive Order by U.S. President Donald Trump and aims to boost security by reviewing online activity.
The proposal has sparked backlash in the United Kingdom, with 40% opposing, and the public has 60 days to comment before implementation.

1 / 2