In more than 120 countries or territories to which I have traveled, including nations with authoritarian, recognized or apparent dictatorial governments, I have never been asked for my social networks, much less my passwords, as an entry requirement. Not once.
I am deeply concerned about the U.S. government's proposal to require social media and even passwords for travelers from countries that do not require a visa. It could be dangerous for those who visit the United States, and it is also dangerous for those of us who go out into the world as American citizens.
"Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States. This is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people safe," Customs and Border Protection previously told USA TODAY in a statement. "This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order 14161 to vet those who are coming into this country using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) by allowing CBP to collect additional information from non-U.S. citizens applying through the visa waiver program from eligible countries."
The public conversation has focused on security, but almost no one talks about what would really be at stake: international reciprocity.
