U.S. proposes collecting social media handles and DNA from foreign visitors
By bellecarter // 2025-12-15
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  • The DHS and CBP propose requiring foreign visitors under the Visa Waiver Program to disclose social media accounts, email addresses, phone numbers, biometrics (DNA, fingerprints, iris scans) and extensive family history—far beyond current requirements.
  • Currently optional, social media disclosure would become mandatory, with photo metadata (geolocation, device info) also collected.
  • Unlike fingerprints, DNA contains sensitive genetic data, raising risks of misuse (familial tracking, health privacy violations) if improperly stored or shared.
  • Many Visa Waiver countries (e.g., Germany, U.K.) have strict GDPR protections, potentially causing diplomatic clashes over biometric data demands.
  • If implemented, the U.S. would join authoritarian regimes in mass traveler surveillance, risking tourism backlash and eroding trust with allies—sparking debate over security vs. privacy overreach.
The U.S. government is considering sweeping new measures that would require foreign visitors to disclose their social media accounts, email addresses and even DNA as part of the visa and entry process. The proposal, submitted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), would significantly expand the data collected from travelers under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which includes citizens from 42 allied nations. If implemented, the changes would mark one of the most invasive biometric and digital surveillance programs ever applied to short-term travelers, raising concerns about privacy, government overreach and the erosion of trust between the U.S. and its international partners.

What the new rules would require

Under the proposed revisions to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and Form I-94, travelers would be asked to provide:
  • Social media identifiers (Twitter handles, Facebook profiles, etc.)
  • Email addresses used over the past 10 years
  • Phone numbers from the last five years
  • Biometric data, including DNA, fingerprints and iris scans
  • Extensive family history, including relatives' birthplaces and contact details
Currently, social media disclosure is optional for ESTA applicants, but the new rules would make it mandatory. The proposal also suggests collecting metadata from submitted photographs, which could include geolocation and device information. The changes align with a January 2025 executive order on national security, which directs agencies to enhance traveler vetting to prevent potential threats. However, critics argue that the measures go far beyond what is necessary for security and could be exploited for mass surveillance. The U.S. has steadily increased border surveillance since the Sept. 11 attacks, when fingerprinting became standard for most foreign visitors. The Patriot Act and subsequent policies expanded government access to personal data, often justified as counterterrorism measures, BrightU.AI's Enoch notes. But the proposed DNA collection represents a new frontier. Unlike fingerprints—which are primarily used for identity verification—DNA contains sensitive genetic information, including familial relationships and health predispositions. If stored improperly, it could expose travelers and their relatives to privacy violations or misuse.

International implications and backlash

Many of the 42 Visa Waiver Program countries, including Germany, the U.K. and Japan, have strict data protection laws that may conflict with U.S. demands for genetic and social media data. The European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), for example, imposes heavy restrictions on biometric data collection. Privacy advocates warn that the proposal could strain diplomatic relations and deter tourism. "This isn't just about security—it's about turning every traveler into a data point," said a digital rights advocate who spoke on condition of anonymity. "Once DNA is collected, there's no guarantee it won’t be shared with other agencies or used for purposes beyond border control." The proposal is open for public comment for 60 days before potential implementation. If approved, the U.S. would join only a handful of authoritarian regimes in mandating such extensive traveler surveillance. For now, the debate continues: Is this an essential security upgrade or an unprecedented overreach into personal privacy? As governments worldwide grapple with balancing safety and civil liberties, the U.S. may soon set a controversial new standard for border control. While enhanced screening may address legitimate security concerns, the long-term consequences of mass genetic and digital data collection remain uncertain, raising questions about where the line should be drawn in the name of national security. Watch this video that talks about how the U.S. is tightening visa rules. This video is from the InfoWarSSideBand channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: ReclaimTheNet.org AlJazeera.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com
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