Advanced screening of U.S. visa applicants

Affected applicants would have to provide their social media handles and platforms used during the previous five years, as well as all phone numbers and email addresses during that period. The U.S. department guarantees it will not seek passwords or breach privacy.

Instead of five years of travel and work history, the applicants will have to provide 15 years of history including the names and dates of birth of all siblings, children, spouses and partners.

The department asks permission for a 180 days trial period from the White House budget office, beginning May 18. The department also states it wants public approval for a more permanent version.