<
https://theconversation.com/new-us-directive-for-visa-applicants-turns-social-media-feeds-into-political-documents-260201>
"In recent weeks, the US State Department implemented a policy requiring all
university, technical training, or exchange program visa applicants to disclose
their social media handles used over the past five years. The policy also
requires these applicants to set their profiles to public.
This move is an example of governments treating a person’s digital persona as
their political identity. In doing so, they risk punishing lawful expression,
targeting minority voices, and redefining who gets to cross borders based on
how they behave online.
Anyone seeking one of these visas will have their social media searched for
“indications of hostility” towards the citizens, culture or founding principles
of the United States. This enhanced vetting is supposed to ensure the US does
not admit anyone who may be deemed a threat.
However, this policy changes how a person’s online presence is evaluated in
visa applications and raises many ethical concerns. These include concerns
around privacy, freedom of expression, and the politicisation of digital
identities."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
