US Social Media Check for Tourists Risks $15bn Loss
US will collect 5 years of social media data from visa‑free visitors, risking $15bn in tourism spend and 157,000 jobs.
The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced a plan to collect five‑years’ worth of social media and family‑history data from travelers who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which includes visa‑free visitors from the UK. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that the policy could slash $15 billion (£10.8 bn) in tourism spending and erase about 157,000 jobs. A survey of more than 4,500 global travelers found that 66 % were aware of the proposals, with a third saying they would avoid U.S. visits if the screening were implemented. The proposed screening would involve phone numbers, email addresses, and other personal details, sparking concerns over privacy and free‑speech violations. In March 2025, U.S. visitor arrivals fell to 5.4 million, only 86 % of pre‑pandemic levels.
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