Trump's Proposed Plan for FIFA World Cup Tourists to Reveal Social Media Histories Labeled as 'Alarming'
A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup fans traveling to the United States to hand over their online account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."
Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants
Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide details about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this data was optional.
"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."
He continued, "The measure creates a climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."
Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive
The plan stems from an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the United States are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."
Official Statement and Justification
A representative 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 spokesperson stated. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people safe."
The representative added, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, especially after the terrorist incident in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."
