Former President Trump's Proposed Plan for World Cup Tourists to Disclose Online Histories Labeled as 'Alarming'
A recently unveiled mandate for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the United States to disclose their social media account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."
Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Travelers
According to the proposal, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide details about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, providing this information was optional.
"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."
He continued, "The measure creates a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."
Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive
The proposal follows an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent possible."
Official Response and Justification
A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson said. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the American people secure."
The representative further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, especially after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. The measure is in line with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."
