Specifically, applicants will now have to submit their social media usernames, prior email addresses, and currently existing phone numbers. The ruling, which was proposed back in March 2018, is expected to affect approximately 15 million people who apply for US visas each year. The requirement is understandable, depending on who you ask. In the case of the US. Prior to this, the US government merely required such details from individuals who had visited countries and areas it deems to be under terrorist control.
By expanding the requirement, the US hopes to identify and spot potential extremists. Who spouts their extremist ideologies online, and prevent the legal wrangle it went through with Apple when US law enforcement bodies want to access the phone of the San Bernadino shooting. (Source: AP, Engadget // Image: Getty Images)
