The department, in a notice published on Thursday in the Federal Register, said it was seeking public comment on the requirement. The proposed requirements would apply to visa applicants identified for extra scrutiny, such as those who have travelled to areas controlled by terrorist organisations. The State Department said it estimates that the rules would affect about 0.5% of total US visa applicants, or roughly 65,000 people. Affected applicants would have to provide their social media handles and platforms used during the previous five years, and divulge all phone numbers and email addresses used during that period. US consular officials would not seek social media passwords, and would not try to breach any privacy controls on applicants’ accounts, according to the department’s notice.

Source: Dhaka Tribune May 05, 2017 01:52 UTC