Here's a summary of the key themes and opinions expressed in the Hacker News discussion, with direct quotes:
Concerns About Freedom of Speech and Thought Policing
Many commenters expressed deep concern that screening social media for visa applicants represents a form of "thought police" and an infringement on freedom of speech. They worry about the implications for intellectual exchange and individual liberties.
- "duxup: Thought police."
- "kennywinker: Screening for thought crimes isn’t a slippery slope, it’s a frictionless plane."
- "'You are free to say whatever you like, as long as your words do not contradict Official Party Ideology.' 'There is freedom of speech, but I cannot guarantee freedom after speech.' ― Idi Amin" - throw0101c referencing infotainment's initial comment, then quoting Amin.
- "ilya_m: Do I trust the government to police opinions? No, especially when there's no accountability and appeals process."
- "princealiiiii: It's all done to chill free speech, especially 'antisemetic' protests of Israel."
- "duxup: They already asked Harvard to monitor students for 'viewpoint diversity' and make adjustments to admissions based on a government selected third party’s instructions. When they refused Trump started trying to force the to comply. They're already trying to reach the same thought police type activity with American students."
Skepticism about Government's Ability to Fairly Police Opinions
Several users expressed a lack of trust in the government's ability to fairly and objectively assess social media content. They highlight the potential for bias, abuse of power, and the absence of accountability.
- "ilya_m: Do I trust the government to police opinions? No, especially when there's no accountability and appeals process."
- "kergonath: The thing is, they do not need a reason to reject visa applications. This will just provide more pretexts and more power trips for border control agents and embassy bureaucrats."
- "makeitdouble: As other pointed out, border control is already an area where an agent can stop basically anyone without any provable justification."
Practical Concerns and Potential for Manipulation
The discussion also touches on the practical challenges of implementing such a system and the potential for manipulation by applicants. There's a recognition that people will adapt and find ways to circumvent the screening process, rendering it ineffective or driving behavior underground.
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"justahuman74: I guess students will have to delete all social media before applying?"
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"ASinclair: Simple, just use AI tools to generate fake profiles that seem normal enough to pass inspection by some random State Department employee."
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"frollogaston: This is why I made an unused Facebook account filled with normal stuff before applying to college, back when that was the popular thing."
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"theendisney: Until an empty account is seen as a red flag."
Discussion on Rights at the Border
Some commenters address the complex question of rights at the border, clarifying limitations on constitutional rights for non-citizens and while entering another country. There is nuance in these opinions, acknowledging that while rights exist, their application differs in these contexts.
- "fallingknife: Rights don't apply when you are entering another country. Americans have the right to bear arms too, but good luck with that argument when get caught at the border with weapons."
- "impossiblefork: Rights always apply, always. This is the thing about human rights enshrined in human rights laws in places like the EU, or about your constitutional rights (although the latter only applies to US citizens and to people physically present in the US). However, countries may, depending on their laws, choose to not let certain people in on conditions that would otherwise violate guarantees on freedom of speech etc."
- "kloop: That depends a lot on the constitutional right. They're, generally, phrased as restrictions on the federal government (assumed to apply to state governments under incorporation post civil war). There are a lot of times the government is limited even dealing with foreigners abroad (in legal theory anyways, ymmv in reality)."
Concerns About Escalation and Broadening Scope
A few commenters express fear that these measures, if implemented for students, will eventually be applied to a wider range of people or even become a standard practice within the US.
- "linotype: You’re naive if you think they’ll stop with foreign students."
- "theendisney: We all thought instagram was optional but soon it Will be required to show off your beach body. While drinking the correct drink."
Debate on the "Worth" of the Practice
Some commenters directly debate whether the benefits of screening social media are worth the cost, both in terms of financial resources and potential negative consequences.
- "ilya_m: Do I think it's the best use of taxpayers' dollars (ie, mine) to screen for objectionable content on social media? No. ... Do I believe the overall benefits that harassment-free international travel brings to this country outweigh the costs of letting in some visitors whose views I disagree with? Yes."
- "vkou: I wouldn't exactly be jumping for joy over it, but that's a juice that's not worth the squeeze."
Focus on the Economic Impact of Students
Several commenters talk about the economic benefits that students bring to the country by coming, paying for education, and contributing through work.
- "SoftTalker: I'm a bit skeptical that students are a big source of trouble. The vast majority come here, pay universities a lot of money, spend additional money in the local community, get their degrees, and then go home or maybe stay and work in generally high paying jobs, continuing to contribute to the local economy."
Differing Opinions about Hypothetical Scenarios.
Some commenters engage in hypothetical scenarios to tease out the core issue.
- "Mountain_Skies: >Gays are vile and should not be allowed to exist.Would you be ok with that social media poster being granted entry into the country?"
- "ImJamal: If the contents of their social media would be a crime in the US I would have no issues with denying visa to students."