A U.S. travel trade group warns a proposed rule requiring social media account names and identifiers from the past five years could deter visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries. The government notice published last week says the change is scheduled to take effect on February 8. The U.S. Travel Association says the policy risks driving away millions of travelers and the billions they spend, creating a "chilling effect" on tourism.
U.S. Proposal to Collect Social Media Handles From Visa Waiver Visitors Sparks Industry Warning
People walk around the airport ahead of checking in for their flights at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., November 27, 2024. REUTERS/Megan Varner
A U.S. travel industry group warned Monday that a government proposal to require millions of foreign visitors to provide social media account names and other online identifiers used over the past five years could deter travel to the United States.
What the Proposal Would Do
The proposed rule, described in a U.S. government notice published last week and expected to take effect on February 8, would require travelers from countries in the Visa Waiver Program to submit social media profile information and related identifiers covering the previous five years when seeking travel authorization.
Industry Reaction
"If we get this policy wrong, millions of travelers could take their business and the billions of dollars they spend elsewhere, only making America weaker," the U.S. Travel Association said in a statement. "One thing that isn’t in question: this policy could have a chilling effect on travel to the United States."
Potential Impact
Industry representatives say the requirement could discourage tourism and business travel, risking lost visitors and significant economic damage to the U.S. travel sector. Critics argue the rule may raise privacy concerns and add friction to travel planning, potentially driving visitors to other destinations.
Timing and Next Steps
The notice was published last week and the government has indicated the policy is slated to begin on February 8. Travel industry groups and privacy advocates are likely to continue scrutinizing the rule and urging policymakers to weigh its economic and civil-liberties implications before it is finalized.
Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama.
