AssetID: 55423432
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: US Social Media Checks Could Deter Tourists and Hit Jobs
Caption: US Social Media Checks Could Deter Tourists and Hit Jobs. Proposed U.S. plans to scrutinize tourists’ social media accounts are already discouraging potential visitors, with one in three international travellers saying they would be less likely to visit the country. A new survey suggests the measures could slash up to $15 billion in tourism spending and put around 157,000 U.S. jobs at risk. The plans would see U.S. Customs and Border Protection collect up to five years of social media data from visitors using the ESTA visa-free travel system, including travellers from the UK. The Trump administration has expanded monitoring of international travellers, arguing the changes are necessary to improve border security. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, 66% of surveyed travellers were already aware of the proposed rules, meaning travel behaviour could shift quickly if they are implemented. The policy would also require visitors to provide extensive personal data, including phone numbers, email addresses and information about family members. President Donald Trump has dismissed concerns about tourism fallout, insisting security must come before visitor numbers. Tourism leaders warn that even small drops in arrivals could have serious economic consequences, especially as U.S. inbound travel remains below pre-pandemic levels. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,US,social media,checks,tourism,jobs,Donald Trump,United States,U.S. Customs and Border Protection,travellers,social media screening,ESTA,border security,WTTC,travel restrictions
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