SOCIAL MEDIA IDS NOW PART OF VISA RULES

WASHINGTON— The United States has begun asking some would-be visitors applying for visas to provide their identities on social media, among other more vigorous screening methods.

A State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Agence FrancePresse (AFP) new security procedures had gone into effect on May 25 for travelers deemed to present a risk.

The plan had already raised the concerns of civil liberties advocates, who fear travelers who pose no terrorist threat may be stigmatized for their political or religious views.

It also came at a time of controversy over another new measure, President Donald Trump’s attempt to ban all travelers from six mainly Muslim countries.

But in a March 6 memorandum, Trump vowed to tighten controls on who can enter the United States, including by studying their online behavior.

According to the US official, consular officers cannowdemand extra information from applicants they deem to require “more rigorous national security vetting.”

“Such visa applicants will be asked to provide additional information, including their social media handles, prior passport numbers, additional information about family members and a longer history of past travel, employment and contact information,” she said.