QUESTION: Should ‘Tourists’ Who SPEW Threats To U.S. On Social Media Be BANNED From Our Shores?
Do you think that we could prevent terrorism by monitoring the social media accounts of terrorists? Or do you think that’s an invasion of their privacy?
Should 'Tourists' Who SPEW Threats To U.S. On Social Media Be BANNED From Our Shores?
The social media accounts of tourists heading to America are to become subject to greater inspection in a bid to identify potential threats.
A proposal from US Customs and Border Protection, intends to add a line to the online or paper form that US-bound visitors must fill out if they don’t have a visa and plan on staying for up to 90 days for vacation or business.
It places travelers in a difficult position, for although they are not forced to reveal their online identities, leaving it blank could also raise the alarm.
‘Collecting social media data will enhance the existing investigative process and provide the Department of Homeland Security with greater clarity and visibility to possible nefarious activity and connections by providing an additional tool set which analysts and investigators may use to better analyze and investigate the case,’ the DHS maintained as its reason for the new field.
The data will be used to vet those who are entering the US for whatever purpose.
‘Please enter information associated with your online presence—Provider/Platform—Social media identifier,’ the question reads.
The agency said the form travelers fill out ‘enables the DHS to perform its mission related to the screening of alien visitors for potential risks to national security and the determination of admissibility to the United States.’
The form recently changed after President Obama signed the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 which introduced other questions for US-bound travelers.
Read more: Daily Mail
