USA ESTA asks for social media IDs

[ayebee]

Had to renew my ESTA for an upcoming visit and noted the form now asks about your presence on social media.
I am assuming this is fairly recent as the questions have not yet appeared on at least a couple of those agency" sites that helpfully offer to take extra money for your application.
It wants a screen name or user ID. Password not requested.
Could be a number of new accounts set up on FB and the rest

 

[blackcat20]

My understanding is that supplying that information is currently optional.

 

[Pushka]

My understanding is that supplying that information is currently optional.

Same

And goodness knows how on earth they think they can get the accurate info anyway. It's like expecting people with nasty plans in mind to stick up their hands.

 

[ayebee]

My understanding is that supplying that information is currently optional.

Ah,yes. I wonder why I didn't notice that. Thanks.
I wonder if/when it becomes compulsory.

 

[Dr Ralph]

I wonder if/when it becomes compulsory.

When you are provided with one at the time of your birth.

Otherwise the majority of the planet wont be able to respond to this requirement.

 

[Spongbob]

Maybe the DHS is after AFF members who show a poor attitude to the USA?

 

[Himeno]

It has asked that for a while. Was added at least 16 months ago.

 

[Daver6]

Next they'll want to know your AFF handle :shock:

 

[JohnPhelan]

And goodness knows how on earth they think they can get the accurate info anyway. It's like expecting people with nasty plans in mind to stick up their hands.

They also ask if you are a terrorist.

 

[Pushka]

They also ask if you are a terrorist.

I'm starting not to use that word anymore.

 

[Flying mermaid]

It is optional but I told Ms FM to fill hers in, as the last thing you want is them to do a search and find someone with the same name whose Facebook page is a lot more controversial!

The other thing that is new since I last did one is asking if you have ever held a passport of another country and if you answer yes then you have to fill in the details. I did hold another one 40 years ago and have no idea of the details, so that is a major pain. You would think some sort of limitation would be sensible, like in the last 10 years....

 

[Hvr]

Next they'll want to know your AFF handle :shock:

On a slightly serious note if you listed your FT handle then TSA may well treat you differently. Possibly not in a good way.

 

[Strategic Aviation]

Can't believe it's already been five years since Caution on Twitter urged as tourists barred from US - BBC News:-

After the interview, Homeland Security reported: "Mr Bryan confirmed that he had posted on his Tweeter website account that he was coming to the United States to dig up the grave of Marilyn Monroe.

"Also on his tweeter account Mr Bryan posted he was coming to destroy America."

 

[burmans]

On a slightly serious note if you listed your FT handle then TSA may well treat you differently. Possibly not in a good way.

You mean, something like a serious probing?

 

[Hvr]

You mean, something like a serious probing?

Yes, they have been known to comment adversely when they see FT tags.

 

[JohnK]

Ah,yes. I wonder why I didn't notice that. Thanks.
I wonder if/when it becomes compulsory.

Not this lifetime. I refuse to give them anything.

 

[Pushka]

Not this lifetime. I refuse to give them anything.

They make the rules if you want to enter. But in reality the only place they could really find you is Facebook. Assuming you use a real name.

 

[JohnK]

They make the rules if you want to enter. But in reality the only place they could really find you is Facebook. Assuming you use a real name.

I use my real name for email. They can't have access to my emails. And as far as they are concerned I don't do Social Media.

They'll stop you entering if you don't do Social Media?

 

[burmans]

They can't have access to my emails.

Don't want to disillusion you but they probably already do.

 

[Pushka]

I use my real name for email. They can't have access to my emails. And as far as they are concerned I don't do Social Media.

They'll stop you entering if you don't do Social Media?

And you call AFF????