With the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announcing it will soon start screening the social media posts of foreigners visiting the U.S., a Florida congressman, who has been working on the issue, cheered the news.
Back in December 2015, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., teamed up with U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., to offer a bill ensuring the federal government screens the social media of everyone who applies for a visa to visit the United States.
“As terrorist threats continue to evolve, so too must our policies to safeguard our country,” Buchanan said when he introduced the proposal. “We need every tool to protect Americans – and a key component is vetting all avenues of communication. My bill will ensure that our government reviews all social media accounts before allowing foreign visa applicants into the United States.”
Pointing to reports noting the terrorists behind the San Bernardino attacks posted messages in support of Islamic jihad on Facebook, Buchanan urged the Obama White House to show more leadership in monitoring social media.
Since that time, Buchanan has continued calling for the federal government to monitor the social media posts of foreigners visiting the U.S. Last September, Buchanan showcased his proposal in the aftermath of accused terrorist Ahmad Rahami whose social media posts included links to videos supporting Islamic terrorism and jihad. Rahami is accused of being responsible for bombs which injured more than 30 people.
With DHS announcing it will start screening the social media posts of international visitors this week, Buchanan welcomed the news.
“Checking social media is standard practice for thousands of employers.” Buchanan said on Monday. “We need to make sure the individuals entering the U.S. are not here to harm Americans.”
Insisting “online radicalization is an acute threat to the United States,” Buchanan said checking social media can help ensure public safety.
“Radical Islamic jihadists use the Internet and social media sites to communicate, fundraise, and recruit,” Buchanan said. “It’s time to fight fire with fire. To win on the digital battlefield, mandatory social media screening is required.”
