The US wants to check millions of Chinese travellers’ social media accounts

Sponsored by  FreePLRArticles.biz 

=>

Image: Getty Images

The U.S. border control is seeking to check Chinese visitors' social media profiles.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) plans to publish a proposal asking travellers from China to disclose what social media platforms they use, and what their handles are, according to Politico.

SEE ALSO: U.S.-born NASA scientist says border agents made him turn over his phone

Holders of business and visitor visas will be affected by the move amounting to almost 3.6 million applicants per year, the proposal estimates.

However, travellers can choose not to disclose the information, and will still have their requests processed "without a negative interpretation or inference."

The move is meant to increase security as well as to "facilitate legitimate travel."

The public has 60 days to comment on the proposal before it will be formally considered.

Popular social media websites such as Facebook are blocked in China, with the majority of Chinese citizens using social media sites such as Weibo and Renren.

A CBP spokeswoman said that travellers could submit social media information about "any platform" that they used.

The U.S. had already started scanning social media accounts last year, for people entering the country through its Visa Waiver Program. A majority of the travellers affected had been from Europe.

Customs has been reportedly demanding social media passwords at the border. Tips to stay safe: https://t.co/TjeRoSsqzo

Nicholas Thompson (@nxthompson) February 12, 2017

US visitors may need to give social media passwords-can't remember 1/2 my pwrds on a good day-never mind customs. https://t.co/Txast3qCgP

Deborah Robinson (@redgypsee) February 10, 2017

@scalzi you think customs would believe I dont have social media accounts? They could search for them while detaining me.

Ali Hakim (@ahakim) February 9, 2017

Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump had issued an executive order banning people from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the gates.

This was later overturned, though a revised version of the order targeting the same seven countries is due to be issued soon.

BONUS: All 13 times the stars at the SAG Awards threw shade at Donald Trump

More From this publisher : HERE

=>
***********************************************
Originally Published Here: The US wants to check millions of Chinese travellers’ social media accounts
************************************
=>

This article was searched, compiled, delivered and presented using  TrendingTraffic 

=>>

The US wants to check millions of Chinese travellers’ social media accounts was originally posted by Viral News 1