Senators urge Trump to scrap social media vetting for foreign tourists

WASHINGTON — Two Democratic senators urged the Trump administration on Friday to abandon a proposal to require millions of foreign visitors to provide social media handles used over the past five years. The proposed policy from U.S. Customs and Border Protection would require travelers from countries in the visa waiver program to submit the social media data. "By requiring travelers to disclose their personal social media information, CBP will force people who simply want to visit family in the United States, conduct business with U.S. companies, or attend events such as the upcoming World Cup to submit to sweeping digital surveillance," said Senators Ed Markey and Ron Wyden. "No doubt many Americans would be outraged if countries such as Great Britain, France, or Australia imposed a similar policy on American tourists." The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately comment. In December, the department said the proposal could take effect as early as this month. Earlier, a group representing the U.S. travel and tourism industry warned the proposal could have a "chilling effect"