Trump's Controversial Plan for World Cup Tourists to Disclose Social Media Activity Labeled as 'Chilling'
A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup supporters traveling to the United States to disclose their online account information has been branded "deeply troubling."
Compulsory Submission for ESTA Travelers
Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide information about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this information was voluntary.
"These proposed measures 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, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."
Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive
The plan follows an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are vetted and screened to the fullest extent possible."
Official Statement and Reasoning
A representative for the border agency offered clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the official said. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the public safe."
The spokesperson added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."
