Concern was raised worldwide after publication of a summary of new rules for use of visa free travel to the United States. [1] The worries are over the US monitoring anonymous speech of foreign nationals around the world via their social media identifiers. Certainly frightening people and threatening them with loss of ability to travel to the US will chill speech.
Social Media Handles Will be a "Mandatory Element"
For context, social media handles have been requested on visa free travel applications since 2016. According to the summary of the new rules published today, it looks like the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will somehow make this a more "mandatory element." On US visa applications, the Department of State has also been asking for social media handles for some time, but “none,” is an option.
The Russians had a joke after the fall of the USSR: "The bad news is that they are still taping our phone conversations. The good news is: They are two years behind." Will AI ruin that comforting joke? For some, probably yes.
Border Exit Self Reporting
In addition to threatening mandatory submission of social media identifiers, what’s new is that CBP will be piloting voluntary self reported exit program (VSRE) which includes submission of a facial image. This program could clearly be a gateway to mandatory exit reporting programs. The reporting of a departure will be a confirmed departure on the Arrival and Departure Info System (ADIS) - a system maintained by US border officers.
Extra Live Photo Uploading for ESTA Applicants
Additionally Live Photo Uploading will be part of an application for US electronic travel authorization for visa free travel, in addition to uploading one’s passport biographic data page - which also contains a photo.
ESTA Mobile App Only
CBP plans to decommission the ESTA online/ laptop/ computer website application and have ESTA Mobile application as the sole platform to apply for a new ESTA. This will enhance their ability to use facial comparison technology. But it will also cut down on scamming third party websites that are collecting unneeded fees for ESTA applications - which may not result in actual ESTA approvals!
[1] The Department of Homeland Security’s US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be issuing a request for comments on new electronic travel authorization (ESTA) and visa free travel rules. The new rules will have a 60 Day window of notice and request for comments. CBP would like to collect additional data, and have submitted this collection request in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The rules will be published in the Federal Register today, 10 Dec 2025. Comments should be submitted by email to