Having No Social Media Or Private Accounts? US May Deny Visa To Harvard Visitors

Foreigners hoping to visit Harvard University could now be denied a US visa simply for having no social media presence or for keeping their accounts private. In a move that has sparked privacy and free-speech concerns, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has directed consular officers to treat a lack of public online activity as a potential sign of evasiveness.

According to an Economic Times report, the new visa screening rule — issued via a diplomatic cable to US embassies worldwide — applies to all foreigners linked to Harvard, including prospective students, guest speakers, contractors, and even tourists.

Officials are instructed by Rubio's cable to request that candidates make their social media accounts public so that their material can be examined. If someone has no visible posts or restricts access, that alone might be seen as suspicious.

The order comes days after the Trump administration paused student visa interviews to reassess how to better filter applicants considered security risks. According to the cable, the Harvard-specific screening will serve as a test run for wider use.

Critics argue the policy targets freedom of expression and digital privacy, and could unfairly impact international students and scholars. “It’s a lose-lose situation — you could be penalised for what you post or for not posting at all,” said Greg Lukianoff, head of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE).

The most recent order coincides with wider hostilities between the Trump administration and prestigious universities such as Harvard. Courts have blocked an attempt to prohibit international students from attending the university.

With over 1.1 million international students enrolled in US institutions during 2023–24 — India being the top contributor, immigration experts warn that such policies could deter global talent.

As the debate unfolds, what students choose not to share online might soon matter as much as what they do.