Trump's Controversial Plan for World Cup Tourists to Disclose Social Media Histories Labeled as 'Alarming'
A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the US to disclose personal online profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."
Compulsory Submission for ESTA Travelers
Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide information about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this data was voluntary.
"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."
He added, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded at once."
Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive
The proposal stems from an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."
Official Statement and Justification
A spokesperson for the border agency offered clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson said. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the American people secure."
The representative further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those entering the country, especially after the recent attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to vet those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."
