Trump's Proposed Plan for World Cup Tourists to Reveal Online Activity Described as 'Chilling'
A newly proposed mandate for World Cup supporters traveling to the US to disclose their social media account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."
Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants
According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit information about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, providing this data was voluntary.
"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."
He continued, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."
Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive
The plan stems from an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree feasible."
Official Statement and Justification
A spokesperson for the border agency offered clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the United States," the official said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the public secure."
The spokesperson added, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those entering 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 enabling CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."
