US State Department Screens Social Media Accounts of Foreign Journalists Applying for Visas

The US State Department has announced that it will now screen foreign journalists' social media accounts as part of their visa application process. This move expands a Trump administration policy that already requires applicants for many visa types to make their social media accounts public for screening.

The new policy also includes applicants from Canada and Mexico, who will be subject to the same online presence vetting. The State Department claims this measure is necessary to ensure visa eligibility and national security.

A State Department spokesperson stated that the department uses various methods to screen and vet foreign nationals seeking admission to the US, including their online presence, to protect national security, prevent fraud, and ensure a thorough review of applicants.