My tentative, loosely held decision to not enter the US for any reason has become surprisingly easier to justify as time goes on.
U.S. To Collect Social Media Data on All Immigrants Entering Country
31–40 of 253 posts
Re: U.S. To Collect Social Media Data on All Immigrants Entering Country
#32As much as I’ve always loved to come to the US and as fascinating as some US conferences are (e.g. StrangeLoop might be my personal fav) – no international attendee or speaker can be expected to put up with this ever expanding amount of bullshit anymore. If the science community or “our industry” really want to encourage and unlock the magic of diversity we need new venues for a whole lot of conferences either in Can…
Erm, did you read the article? Visiting the country != immigration.
IIRC they had (non mandatory) questions about social media accounts already on the ESTA form last time I flew into NYC in January.
Re: U.S. To Collect Social Media Data on All Immigrants Entering Country
#33Off topic but recently given the option of vacationing in the USA or Japan, well easy choice. Do I want to visit a frightening, privacy invading, oppressive airport, or Japan? I went to Japan. I'll do my very best to avoid travel to USA if possible. Strange that this is what USA wants. Trump has put up a wall, even if it is not yet physical.
Doesn’t Japan fingerprint people at immigration ? (And maybe take their picture?)
Re: U.S. To Collect Social Media Data on All Immigrants Entering Country
#34Immigration visa is for those that seek permanent residence, while visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas? Each time I see this news, the distiction isn't made clear if this is intended to be for everyone visiting the country, or part of the process when a person is seeking permanent residence. cr1895: Thanks!
So you find it acceptable for the US government to demand access to everything I have on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Telegram(?), etc just because I am going to live there? That is insane.
>So you find it acceptable ... That is insane.
They were seeking (an important) clarification, not making a judgment whether it was acceptable.
You just assumed they found it acceptable and called that insane.
Re: U.S. To Collect Social Media Data on All Immigrants Entering Country
#35This is not necessarily a new problem. College students for years have been warned about employers digging through social media. This led to the rise of apps like Snapchat & more privacy controls with who you share your social data with. I've been asked by public figures & businesses how to help clear their name after being involved in several negative news stories. My advice has always been to generate as many posit…
There's a huge difference between an employer doing it and the government doing it. You can hide your SM for a potential employer. Doing that will make the government suspicious. You may get a chance to explainer yourself to an employer. An immigration decision will be made in a black box. You can apply for another job at a company not run by idiots - choosing to immigrate somewhere else isn't as straightforward.
Re: U.S. To Collect Social Media Data on All Immigrants Entering Country
#36Something to realize here: If you're between 10 and 60 years old, "I don't use social media" will likely not really be an answer at the border. Even a barely-used account will not really be an answer. They're going to be able to say you're probably just hiding your real account. That could factor into denying you entry into a country. If this becomes common with many countries, it could become de facto illegal to kee…
Question is what happens if one really does not use social media, at least mainstream playforms such as facebook. I'm guessing I'm not the only one around here with a small social media footprint...
Re: U.S. To Collect Social Media Data on All Immigrants Entering Country
#37Re: U.S. To Collect Social Media Data on All Immigrants Entering Country
#38Something to realize here: If you're between 10 and 60 years old, "I don't use social media" will likely not really be an answer at the border. Even a barely-used account will not really be an answer. They're going to be able to say you're probably just hiding your real account. That could factor into denying you entry into a country. If this becomes common with many countries, it could become de facto illegal to kee…
Maybe 50 should be the upper bound. I'm in my fifties and have never had any sort of social media account. Many of my high school and college classmates are similarly situated. None of the major social media platforms were founded before I was in my mid-forties, which is why there was never any incentive to start any accounts. I enjoy getting older. It spares me a lot of drama.
I'm sure there would be a gradual dropoff in suspicion from about 40 to about 60 - depending on how affluent you look, and on the personal opinions of the border agent.
Re: U.S. To Collect Social Media Data on All Immigrants Entering Country
#39What if I am only transiting the country ?
Re: U.S. To Collect Social Media Data on All Immigrants Entering Country
#40As much as I’ve always loved to come to the US and as fascinating as some US conferences are (e.g. StrangeLoop might be my personal fav) – no international attendee or speaker can be expected to put up with this ever expanding amount of bullshit anymore. If the science community or “our industry” really want to encourage and unlock the magic of diversity we need new venues for a whole lot of conferences either in Can…
Erm, did you read the article? Visiting the country != immigration.
So if you decide to visit to do harm you're not subjected to the search, only if you plan to stay and contribute? That sounds silly, right? Thankfully it's an easy fix now the tech is in place -- you just flip the switch! Easier than boiling a frog!