US asks visa applicants to provide their social media use details under new rules

The United States has asked Visa applicants to provide information on their use of social media under the new rules. The move is aimed at enhancing the vetting of foreign nationals and to screen out terrorists and other dangerous individuals seeking entry into America. 

State Department adopted a new policy under which most visa applicants, including temporary visitors, will be required to list their social media identifiers in a drop down menu along with other personal



information. 

Applicants will have the option to say that they do not use social media if that is the case. A US State Department official said that if a visa applicant lies about social media use, they could face serious consequences. 

Visa applicants will also be required in the future to turn more extensive information on their travel history. The new rules stems from a March 2017 executive order issued by President Donald Trump intended to put extreme vetting into place.