Former President Trump's Controversial Plan for FIFA World Cup Visitors to Reveal Social Media Histories Described as 'Chilling'
A newly proposed requirement for World Cup fans traveling to the US to disclose their online account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."
Mandatory Submission for ESTA Travelers
Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide details about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this data was voluntary.
"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."
He added, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."
Roots in an Previous Executive Order
The plan stems from an executive order issued by former President Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."
Government Response and Justification
A representative for the border agency offered clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the official said. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the American people secure."
The representative added, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, particularly after the recent incident in Washington DC. The measure is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."
