Former President Trump's Proposed Plan for World Cup Tourists to Reveal Online Activity Described as 'Alarming'
A recently unveiled mandate for soccer tournament fans traveling to the US to hand over personal social media profile details has been called "deeply troubling."
Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants
Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit details about social media accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, submitting this data was optional.
"These announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they enter a country."
He continued, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."
Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive
The plan follows an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."
Government Response and Justification
A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the public safe."
The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, especially after the recent attack in the capital. The measure is in line with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."
