Trump's Proposed Plan for World Cup Visitors to Reveal Social Media Activity Described as 'Alarming'
A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament fans journeying to the United States to disclose personal online account information has been branded "deeply troubling."
Mandatory Submission for ESTA Applicants
Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit information about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, providing this data was voluntary.
"These announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."
He added, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."
Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive
The plan follows an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."
Official Response and Reasoning
A representative for the border agency provided clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the American people safe."
The spokesperson added, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, especially after the terrorist incident in the capital. The measure is in line with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."