Former President Trump's Proposed Policy for FIFA World Cup Tourists to Disclose Social Media Histories Labeled as 'Alarming'
A newly proposed mandate for World Cup fans journeying to the United States to disclose their social media profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."
Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants
Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit details about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, submitting this information was voluntary.
"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."
He added, "This policy creates a climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be rescinded at once."
Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive
The proposal follows an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the United States are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."
Official Statement and Justification
A spokesperson for the border agency offered context on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the United States," the official said. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the American people safe."
The representative further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the recent incident in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals using the visa waiver programme."
