U.S. Social Media Collection Proposal Is Criticized

U.S. Social Media Collection Proposal Is Criticized

WASHINGTON — The U.S. government is seeking to document your social media handles and pseudonyms.

Recently, the Customs and Border Protection, an agency within the Department of Homeland Security, has proposed collecting social media identifiers associated from a wide range of internet platforms and providers from arriving and departing travelers to the U.S.

Under the proposal, certain categories of visitors to the U.S. would be asked to disclose information about their “online presence” in their visa-waiver arrival/departure records (Form I-94W) and their online application for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

In its proposed changes, CBP seeks the handles and pseudonyms in order to 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.”

News of the proposed program has garnered criticism by many free speech advocates because the use of identifiers through handles and pseudonyms could offer a treasure trove of personal data to law enforcement. Sharing social media identifiers often means sharing sexual orientations and preferences, as well as political leanings and other data.

And most of those working in the adult entertainment industry — in front of the camera and those behind the scenes — use handles and pseudonyms to carry on daily business matters.

As a result, the Woodhull Foundation, Electronic Frontier Foundation and the Center for Democracy & Technology, along with about two dozen other organizations, recently called the proposal vague and overbroad and one that would unfairly violate the privacy of innocent travelers.

In an op-ed today, the EFF said that it is “worried about a slippery slope, where CBP could require U.S. citizens and residents returning home to disclose their social media handles, or subject both foreign visitors and U.S. persons to invasive device searches at ports of entry with the intent of easily accessing any and all cloud data.”

“This would burden constitutional rights under the 1st and 4th Amendments. CBP already started a social media monitoring program in 2010, and in 2009 issued a broad policy authorizing border searches of digital devices,” the EFF said. “We oppose CBP further invading the private lives of innocent travelers, including Americans.”

View EFF's letter

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Yhivi Makes Her Tushy Raw Debut

Yhivi has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Tushy Raw, alongside Dan Damage.

Cubbi Thompson Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Cubbi Thompson stars with Small Hands in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "She’s Good with Her Mouth."

Elegant Angel Premieres Lilly Bell Showcase 'Lilly Loves Girls'

Reigning XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell gets the spotlight in a new four-part showcase release from Elegant Angel.

Report: VPN Downloads Soar in UK Following Age Verification Deadline

Virtual private network apps, which can be used to circumvent geo-specific age verification requirements, are topping Apple App Store downloads in the U.K. in the wake of new Online Safety Act rules, the BBC is reporting.

Chloe Amour: Recharged, Refocused, and Ready for Real Love

These days, getting ahold of Chloe Amour on the weekend can be tough. She might ditch her phone, as was the case on a recent weekend while celebrating her birthday with family at Disneyland, riding the rides and taking in some sun.

Strike 3 Holdings Sues Meta for Pirating Vixen Media Group Content to Train AI

Vixen Media Group owner Strike 3 Holdings filed suit in federal court this week, accusing Facebook parent company Meta of copyright infringement and alleging that Meta has extensively pirated VMG content to train its artificial intelligence models.

Isabella De Laa, Cherry Candle Star in Latest From MixedX

Isabella De Laa and Cherry Candle star in the latest release from MixedX, titled “Between Us.”

Tony Sting, Adira Allure & Dominic Pacifico Headline Latest From BiPhoria

Tony Sting, Adira Allure, and Dominic Pacifico star in the latest release from BiPhoria.

Proxy Paige, Wolf King Release 'I Kissed a Trans and I Liked It'

Evil Angel has released its latest title, “I Kissed a Trans and I Liked It,” co-directed by Proxy Paige and Wolf King.

Pineapple Support, Streamate to Host 'Navigating Grief and Loss' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Streamate are hosting a free online support group to help performers cope with grief and loss.

Show More