Trump's Proposed Policy for World Cup Tourists to Reveal Social Media Histories Labeled as 'Alarming'

A newly proposed mandate for World Cup supporters journeying to the United States to hand over personal online profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit details about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, submitting this information was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree feasible."

Government Response and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency provided clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the American people secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, especially after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."