Trump's Proposed Plan for FIFA World Cup Tourists to Reveal Social Media Activity Labeled as 'Chilling'
A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the US to hand over their social media profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."
Compulsory Submission for ESTA Applicants
According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to submit information about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this information was voluntary.
"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."
He added, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be rescinded at once."
Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive
The proposal follows an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."
Official Statement and Justification
A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson said. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the public safe."
The representative further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist incident in the capital. The measure is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to vet 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 visa waiver programme."
