Trump team proposes social media disclosure for visa-free travelers to U.S.

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The campaign team for Donald Trump has outlined a plan that would require travelers from Europe and other nations with expedited U.S. entry privileges to disclose their social media handles. This proposal, part of Trump’s broader immigration policy platform ahead of the 2026 U.S. election cycle, would apply to citizens from countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which includes 40 nations such as France, Germany, and Japan.

The proposed change would add a new layer of scrutiny to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a system used by millions of international visitors annually. The Trump campaign argues that mandating disclosure of social media accounts enhances national security by allowing authorities to better identify potential threats.

Critics, however, are already raising concerns about privacy violations, discrimination, and diplomatic fallout. Civil liberties groups warn the move could disproportionately target certain groups and lead to data misuse. European lawmakers and privacy advocates have also expressed alarm, saying the proposal may breach international data protection agreements and harm transatlantic relations.

This isn’t the first time social media has entered the visa conversation. A rule introduced during Trump’s prior presidency already required most U.S. visa applicants to list their social media identifiers. However, the current proposal extends this requirement to those who previously traveled without visas.

A spokesperson for the Trump campaign emphasized that these measures are aimed at “keeping America safe” and ensuring visitors are properly vetted in the digital age.

The proposal is expected to face legal, political, and diplomatic scrutiny if enacted, especially as data-sharing and privacy remain hot-button issues in both the U.S. and the EU.