Former President Trump's Proposed Plan for World Cup Tourists to Reveal Social Media Activity Labeled as 'Alarming'
A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the United States to disclose personal online profile details has been called "deeply troubling."
Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants
Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit information about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, submitting this data was voluntary.
"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."
He added, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."
Origins in an Earlier Executive Order
The plan stems from an executive order signed by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."
Government Response and Reasoning
A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the public safe."
The representative added, "We are constantly looking at how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. The measure is in line with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."
