The US embassies in Kenya and Mali have warned that omitting social media information on visa applications could lead to denial and ineligibility for future US visas.
“Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last five years on the DS-160 visa application form. Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and submit,” the US embassy in Kenya said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, July 25.
The DS-160 form is for temporary travel to the US and for K (fiancé(e)) visas.
“Enter information associated with your online presence, including the types of online providers/platforms, applications and websites that you use to collaborate, share information and interact with others,” the embassy said.
“List the username, handle, screen-name or other identifies associated with your social media profile,” it added.
Privacy concerns
“Omitting social media information on your application could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future US visas,” the US embassy in Mali said in a press release on Thursday
The US State Department and other agencies have been increasingly scrutinising applicants’ social media activity since 2019 to assess security, honesty and potential risks to the country.
Critics argue that requiring the disclosure of social media usernames infringes on privacy rights and could expose social media users’ personal beliefs, political views or associations that are protected free speech.
Others say that social media profiles may not accurately reflect a person’s character or intentions and have raised concerns about potential bias or discrimination based on online activity, which may be taken out of context or misinterpreted.
The policy applies to applicants for student, vocational and exchange visitor visas.
