US Customs would like to take a look at your Facebook account

sQuashie

June 27, 2016 5:58 PM

US authorities are considering to request IDs on social networks from tourists before their arrival in the United States.

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US Customs will soon focus on the social networks accounts of tourists and visitors to the United States.

The country just made a proposal to change their visa applications and ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). An additional question has been added to the application form: “Please enter information associated with your online presence—Provider/Platform—Social media identifier.”

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According to the Department of Homeland Security, this will however be optional. The information gathered will help to refine the safety investigation on the person and also to provide an additional contact.

The department says that "Collecting social media data will enhance the existing investigative process and provide DHS 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."

Note that the authorities did not request the passwords of social networking, but only identifiers. This information would be added to other controls: photo, fingerprints and interviews.

The arrival of this additional demand can be explained by the activities on social networks of the attackers in the San Bernardino attack in December 2015.

Besides an post on Facebook for the killing, the person would had previously sent private messages that suggested this type of attack.

According to the Federal Register from which the proposal was filed, US citizens can comment and share suggestions until August 22. After that date it will enter formal review.

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