US Demands Tourists' Social Media Passwords for Entry

The United States is proposing a major new border security measure. It would require millions of foreign tourists to hand over their social media passwords to US officials. The plan, put forward by the Trump administration, would apply to all travelers from 38 countries in the Visa Waiver Program. This program allows citizens of allied nations, like the UK, France, and Japan, to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa. Currently, visa application forms ask for social media account names voluntarily. This new rule would go much further. It would force visa-free travelers to disclose their passwords upon arrival, giving border agents full access to private messages, photos, and friends lists. Officials say the measure is necessary to identify potential security threats hidden online. Privacy and digital rights groups strongly oppose it. They call it a dangerous invasion of privacy that would discourage travel and set a global precedent. If implemented, the policy would affect over 20 million visitors to the US each year. The proposal is now open for public comment before any final decision is made.