Trump's Proposed Plan for FIFA World Cup Visitors to Reveal Online Histories Labeled as 'Alarming'
A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup fans journeying to the United States to hand over personal social media account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."
Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants
Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide information about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this data was voluntary.
"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."
He continued, "This policy creates a climate of fear of monitoring that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."
Origins in an Earlier Executive Order
The proposal stems from an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent possible."
Official Statement and Justification
A spokesperson for the border agency provided context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the United States," the official said. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to protect the public secure."
The representative added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."
