Social media scans for student visas: The platforms US wants to monitor, and what they’re looking for

The US State Department has issued a new directive requiring all students applying for F‑, M‑, and J‑type visas—including student and exchange visas—to disclose their social media handle names used in the past five years and make those accounts publicly viewable. This practice aims to help consular officers verify applicant identity and screen for security risks such as hostility toward the United States, support for terrorism, antisemitic content, or harassment.