14 DAY TRIAL // The situation at the US borders is becoming more ridiculous by the day. Now, it seems that tourists from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and other US allies may also be asked to hand over social media passwords or be denied entry otherwise.
Under the new extreme vetting policy that's currently being considered by the Trump administration, most tourists would be forced to reveal personal data, disclose financial information, face detailed ideological questioning and so on, the Wall Street Journal reports, quoting officials from the Trump administration.
"All international travelers arriving to the US are subject to US Customs and Border Protection inspection. This inspection may include electronic devices such as computers, disks, drives, tapes, mobile phones and other communication devices, cameras, music and other media players and any other electronic or digital devices," US Customs told The Guardian.
US Customs adds that it depends on them to keep America safe and this depends on their ability to lawfully examine all materials entering the United States.
An escalation
The intention to start looking at social media accounts is nothing new, although it has become more apparent in recent months under the Trump administration. Applying this type of search on tourists from allied countries, however, is completely new. On the other hand, there have been countless feuds over the legality and morality of such a search which would infringe on people's right to privacy, especially when done with no warrant or reason for suspicion.
The situation is that much dire since US border agents can deny foreign visitors entry to the country if they feel like it, such as if they are denied access to digital equipment and social media accounts. US citizens returning home, however, cannot be denied admission to the country.
"If a foreign visitor refuses a border agent's demand to unlock their digital device, provide the device password, or provide social media information, and the agent responds by denying entry, the foreign visitor may have little legal recourse," the Electronic Frontier Foundation said on the matter.
One way for foreign travelers to make sure they have access to legal representation is to fill in a US Citizenship and Immigration Services form G-28 beforehand, which allows them to nominate an attorney to represent them if they are detained.