Trump's Proposed Policy for FIFA World Cup Tourists to Reveal Social Media Activity Labeled as 'Alarming'
A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament fans traveling to the US to hand over their social media account information has been branded "deeply troubling."
Mandatory Submission for ESTA Applicants
Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit details about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this data was optional.
"These announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they enter a country."
He added, "This policy creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."
Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive
The plan stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."
Government Statement and Reasoning
A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the country," the official said. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the American people secure."
The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, especially after the terrorist incident in the capital. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."