DHS proposed stricter US travel security mandates, requiring Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) applicants from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to provide extensive personal data.The proposed rules include five years of social media history, a decade of email addresses, phone numbers, and detailed family information, extending current screening processes.While
DHS and
CBP justify these measures for national security against potential threats, critics warn of privacy concerns, suppressed free expression, and potential harm to tourism, including for the 2026
FIFA World Cup.