Trump's Proposed Plan for FIFA World Cup Visitors to Disclose Social Media Activity Labeled as 'Alarming'
A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament fans journeying to the US to hand over personal online profile details has been called "deeply troubling."
Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants
Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit details about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this data was voluntary.
"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."
He continued, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."
Origins in an Earlier Executive Order
The plan follows an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent possible."
Government Statement and Reasoning
A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the country," the official said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the public secure."
The spokesperson added, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist incident in the capital. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."
