Fri Sep 20 13:27:22 UTC 2024: ## German Police Propose Checking Social Media for Schengen Visa Applicants
**Berlin, Germany:** The German Federal Police have proposed checking the social media accounts of Schengen visa applicants to aid in verifying their information, according to internal documents seen by British civil liberties watchdog Statewatch.
The proposed measure is part of a wider effort to combat visa fraud, with the document urging the development of “risk profiles” based on factors like gender, age, origin, and travel itinerary.
The document states that social media checks could reveal information about applicants’ activity, group memberships, recent locations, and even potential income based on job profiles.
While the German Federal Police spokesperson maintains that such “intensive” open-source research is generally legal within the framework of border controls and visa regulations, concerns have been raised about the potential for privacy violations and profiling.
Currently, Schengen visa applications do not require applicants to list their social media accounts. The proposal, if implemented, would represent a significant shift in the visa application process and raise questions about data privacy and the potential for discriminatory practices.
First Piper 