The U.S. State Department is now requiring student visa applicants to set their social media accounts to "public" mode during the application process. This move appears aimed at making it easier for officials to review applicants' online activity—part of broader vetting procedures. While the government frames it as a security measure, critics argue it’s an invasive overreach that could deter international students or chill free expression.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about paperwork—it’s a privacy trade-off. For students hoping to study in the U.S., the rule adds another layer of scrutiny (and potential discomfort) to an already grueling process. It also raises bigger questions: Should your Instagram posts be part of a visa decision? And could this push talented applicants toward countries with less intrusive policies? The debate over security vs. privacy isn’t new, but this policy sharpens it.

The U.S. is rolling out new visa rules that will require foreign students to hand over access to their social media profiles during the application process. This means applicants might have to disclose usernames, passwords, or even unlock private accounts for scrutiny—raising concerns about privacy and overreach.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about bureaucracy—it’s a big shift in how personal data is treated at the border. Critics argue it’s invasive and sets a worrying precedent for digital privacy, while supporters might say it’s about security. Either way, it could deter students from studying in the U.S., and that’s a problem for universities and tech industries that rely on global talent.