Trump's Proposed Policy for FIFA World Cup Tourists to Reveal Social Media Histories Labeled as 'Chilling'
A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup fans traveling to the US to disclose personal online profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."
Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers
According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to submit details about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, submitting this data was voluntary.
"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."
He added, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."
Roots in an Earlier Executive Order
The plan stems from an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."
Government Statement and Justification
A spokesperson for the border agency provided clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the country," the official stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the public secure."
The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. The measure is in line with the earlier directive to vet those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."
