Former President Trump's Proposed Plan for FIFA World Cup Visitors to Disclose Social Media Histories Described as 'Alarming'

A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the US to disclose personal social media profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide details about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, providing this data was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "This policy creates a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The plan follows an executive order issued by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Statement and Justification

A representative for the border agency provided clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the country," the official stated. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the public safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the recent incident in the capital. The measure is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."