The Irish government must strongly object to a proposal by President Trump’s administration that would oblige all tourists to disclose their social media history before entering the US, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson.
Senator Stephenson said:
“It is truly shocking to learn that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is planning to seek visitors’ social media information as a mandatory data element for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) application.
“It’s hard to understand what the US government is hoping to achieve from this directive, which would seek five years of applicants’ social media history before allowing them permission to enter the country.
“This represents serious overreach by Washington and is a direct attack on privacy, free speech and freedom of expression – all values that the US is supposed to hold dear.
“It is wholly inappropriate for US authorities to be reviewing the social media footprint of those seeking to travel to America. This is a move that could potentially have serious implications for tourists, businesspeople and the thousands of students who seek to work in the States every year.
“The US has long been considered a trusted friend and ally of Ireland, but this new requirement would represent a setback for relations between our two countries.
“The Irish government must strongly push back against this erosion of intellectual and personal freedom. The Minister for Foreign Affairs needs to use every possible diplomatic channel with Washington to prevent this deeply problematic proposal from going ahead.”
December 10, 2025