US Implements Mandatory Social Media Disclosure for Visa Applicants, Citing National Security Concerns
The United States has announced a new policy requiring all visa applicants to disclose their social media usernames for every platform they have used in the past five years. This measure, which the US government frames as a national security imperative, applies to all visa categories, including F, M, and J visas for students and exchange visitors. The policy requires applicants to list these usernames on the DS-160 visa application form and affirms the accuracy of the provided information. Failure to disclose social media information or providing false information could result in visa denial and future ineligibility.
This announcement, communicated via the US Embassy in India, comes amidst a broader push for increased scrutiny of visa applicants. The US Embassy emphasized that each visa decision is a matter of national security, and the collection of social media information aids in comprehensive screening and vetting processes. The embassy also reiterated previous statements regarding the privilege, not the right, of obtaining a US visa and the potential for revocation due to illegal activities or violations of US law. The embassy warned that even after visa issuance, ongoing monitoring may occur, and engaging in unlawful behavior could jeopardize future visa applications.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson in India acknowledged the US government’s sovereign right to implement visa policies but stressed that all Indian visa applications should be evaluated based on merit. The MEA affirmed its ongoing engagement with the US on mobility and consular matters to protect the legitimate interests of Indian nationals. This dialogue underlines the potential impact of this policy on international relations and the importance of ensuring fairness and transparency in visa application processes.
This new policy expands on earlier requirements introduced in 2019, which mandated the provision of "social media identifiers" on visa application forms. In June 2025, the US Embassy in India requested applicants for F, M, and J visas to set their social media privacy settings to "public" to facilitate the vetting process. The embassy asserted that this was necessary to verify identity and admissibility under US law. This escalation of social media scrutiny reflects a growing trend in immigration policies, raising concerns about privacy and potential biases in the visa application process.
The timing of this announcement coincides with a recent immigration crackdown in Los Angeles, California, further underscoring the US government’s focus on immigration enforcement. The embassy warned that those entering the country illegally would face jail time and deportation and that visa violators would face detention, deportation, and potentially permanent consequences for future visa eligibility. This signals a stricter stance on immigration violations and a commitment to deterring illegal immigration.
This policy shift is part of a broader series of statements and actions by the US Embassy in India regarding visa and immigration issues. These actions, coupled with public statements emphasizing the privilege of a US visa, reinforce the message that the US is tightening its immigration policies and increasing scrutiny of visa applicants. This comprehensive approach combines policy changes, public communication, and enforcement actions to address immigration concerns and manage the flow of individuals entering the United States.