Trump's Proposed Policy for World Cup Tourists to Disclose Social Media Histories Described as 'Chilling'
A newly proposed mandate for World Cup fans traveling to the US to disclose their social media account information has been called "deeply troubling."
Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers
Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit information about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, providing this information was voluntary.
"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," 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 enter a country."
He added, "This policy creates a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."
Origins in an Previous Executive Order
The plan follows an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."
Official Statement and Reasoning
A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered context 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 initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the American people safe."
The representative added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."
