The US Customs and Border Patrol. Oh I could write many paragraphs about them in all sorts of subjects. Not all of them polite in the least.
But today subject is raising an eyebrow.
A change is being proposed to the I-94 form (and for those who use it, the ESTA online form), which might require you to submit your social media details as well your other details when you travel to the United States of America.
Want one of these with your own face on it? US Customs and Border Patrol might want your social media handles first – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
The changes at https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/06/23/2016-14848/agency-information-collection-activities-arrival-and-departure-record-forms-i-94-and-i-94w-and#h-11 state:
“Please enter information associated with your online presence—Provider/Platform—Social media identifier.” It will be an optional data field to request social media identifiers to be used for vetting purposes, as well as applicant contact information. 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.
So the reasons? Allows the US Customs and Border Patrol, as well as the US Department of Homeland Security more visibility of what people are saying about the United States of America when they’re coming into the country.
Oh and for contacting you too.
The field itself is planned to be optional (which is a good thing – there are people who don’t use social media in any context – or limit their social media outlets to work only).
For those that want to comment on the US Customs and Border Patrol proposal, you’ll have to write by post (as it seems email comments are unwelcome… it seems US-CPB’s whilst they’ll embrace social media, they’re still having trouble adapting to antiquated technologies such as email).
Whilst it’s “yet another bit of data” to fill in on the I-94 or ESTA form, it will be filled in when people travel.
Why? Empty box fear. It’s an empty box that some travellers could see as “counting against you”, even though it will be “optional”.
We’ll find out in 54 days or so if this is the case.
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