Trump's Proposed Policy for World Cup Visitors to Disclose Social Media Activity Labeled as 'Alarming'
A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament fans journeying to the US to hand over personal online profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."
Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Travelers
According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide details about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this data was voluntary.
"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."
He added, "This policy creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."
Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive
The proposal follows an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."
Official Statement and Reasoning
A representative for the border agency provided clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the United States," the official stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the public safe."
The spokesperson further noted, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the recent incident in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."
