Trump's Proposed Plan for FIFA World Cup Visitors to Disclose Online Histories Described as 'Alarming'

A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup supporters traveling to the United States to hand over their online account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Travelers

According to the proposal, tourists from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to submit details about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, submitting this information was optional.

"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an executive order issued by former President Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Government Response and Reasoning

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the country," the official said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to protect the public secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. The measure is in line with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."