Former President Trump's Proposed Policy for World Cup Tourists to Disclose Social Media Activity Labeled as 'Alarming'
A recently unveiled mandate for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the United States to hand over their social media profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."
Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers
According to the proposal, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide details about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, submitting this data was voluntary.
"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."
He continued, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."
Roots in an Earlier Executive Order
The plan follows an executive order issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree feasible."
Official Response and Reasoning
A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the public secure."
The spokesperson further noted, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. The measure is consistent with the earlier directive to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals using the visa waiver programme."
