[aneutron]

Well, in theory, yes. In practice, there have been recorded instances where the US Government has asked people to disclose their social media [1] and in other ones (I failed to find the source) refused access to people who refused to log into their accounts.

Also, if you're a non-american traveler, all the constitutional rights you're afforded as an American don't apply. So they can pretty much ask whatever and refuse you access for any reason.

It's like the US is becoming more and more like China. But it's a worlwide trend, really, with old men screaming "We're gonna be in the dark !" ... It's thoroughly depressing.

Edit: As written down in the comments, the part about foreigners' rights is wrong. See comment for correction.

[1]: https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/22/14066082/us-customs-bord...

[2OEH8eoCRo0]

>if you're a non-american traveler, all the constitutional rights you're afforded as an American don't apply.

False

https://www.maniatislawoffice.com/blog/2018/08/do-non-citize...

[yibg]

But can’t they just deny you entry? I mean you can have all the rights but if they can just let you in (especially if you live in the US), that’s still a pretty big lever.

[aneutron]

Thank you, I was under the misconception that as a foreigner I wasn't afforded these right s.

[iso947]

Many Americans don’t get those rights in practice - although I don’t think there have been any cases of the third ammendment being broken recently.

[samatman]

In fact, the Third Amendment came up recently, when some hotels in Washington DC kicked the National Guard out.

Their right to do so wasn't challenged, so there's one plank of the Bill of Rights which hasn't rotted through...

[iso947]

I’ve always considered America’s uniform worship to make the 3rd irellevent, I guess it goes to show that ensuring rights via law is good even if you think it unnecceraary

[HappyDreamer]

With "refused access", you mean those people weren't allowed to enter the US?

They had to stop at the border, and take the next flight back home?

(But what would happen, if one didn't disclose one's social media accounts and other things, when leaving the US)

[grishka]

I've been to the US and there's no passport control whatsoever when you leave. You don't ever see a border guard on your way out — you go through security at the airport and then straight to the gate.

The real problem is that they now require social media handles on the visa application.

[mrunkel]

Not 100% true. There are random and targeted searches of people boarding flights and requests for ID from CBP officers.

The usual reason given is searches for large sums of cash.

[dragonwriter]

> Well, in theory, yes.

No, it's not true in theory, either.