German authorities may soon begin reviewing the social media accounts of Schengen visa applicants as part of efforts to prevent visa fraud.
In the Handbook on Schengen visa fraud obtained by Statewatch – a UK-based civil liberties organisation that monitors state activities and their impact on civil rights and freedoms, particularly within Europe – German authorities say the “intensive use” of open-source research helps authorities develop risk profiles. The document was approved by German federal police in December last year and was declassified recently at Statewatch’s request.
The handbook suggests that social media can contribute to forming a risk profile, detailing the applicant’s gender, age, origin, means of travel, issuing authority of the visa, purpose of travel and specified destination, among other information.
“Social media and networks are becoming increasingly important. In some cases, they are openly accessible and provide useful information. It may be possible to check whether the traveller is active in them and which content is displayed, which groups they belong to, or which places were last visited. Job profiles can allow conclusions about the actual profession and, thus, income,” the document reads. Monitoring these accounts will also allow authorities to confirm information provided about the applicants’ accommodation and itinerary.
A spokesperson from the German Federal Police said the use of information that was accessible online fell within the legal framework for border controls and was in line with the rules for issuing Schengen visas.
Applicants do not have to give permission for German authorities to access their social media accounts if they are publicly available online, the document says.
