Proposal to monitor social media comes under criticism

A coalition of 28 organizations including the American Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Democracy and Technology signed a letter expressing opposition to the Department of Homeland Security’s proposal to include social media in its review of visa-waiver applicants. The groups argued that such a proposal would not be effective, would cost too much and would impinge on privacy. The letter also expressed concern that Arab-Americans and Muslims could be unfairly targeted.

“The risk of discrimination based on analysis of social media content and connections is great and will fall hardest on Arab and Muslim communities,” the letter stated. “Cultural and linguistic barriers increase the risk that social media activity will be misconstrued.” The Department of Homeland Security published the measure on June 23. “Collecting social media data will enhance the existing investigative process and provide DHS greater clarity and visibility to possible nefarious activity and connections by providing an additional tool set which analysts and investigators may use to better analyze and investigate the case,” the department wrote.