U.S. Implements New Social Media Requirements for Foreign Tourists

The U.S. government is implementing new requirements for foreign tourists, mandating that visitors from 42 countries submit five years of social media history as part of the visa waiver application process known as ESTA.

According to CBS News, this overhaul comes in response to an executive order issued by President Trump aimed at enhancing national security. Critics argue that this move could deter tourists and harm the U.S. economy, especially with the upcoming FIFA World Cup planned for 2026.

The Guardian reported that Australians, in particular, are expressing concerns over these draconian measures, with many already altering their travel plans to avoid the U.S. The proposed changes also include collecting extensive personal data, such as email addresses for the past decade and detailed information about family members.

The Australian Prime Minister stated that while the U.S. has the right to set its own rules, such intrusive requirements raise significant civil liberties concerns, as highlighted by Timothy Roberts from the New South Wales Council for Civil Liberties.

Travel data indicates a sharp decline in Australians visiting the U.S., dropping to just over 45,000 last month, down from previous years, further emphasizing the potential impact of these new regulations.