Trump's Proposed Plan for FIFA World Cup Tourists to Reveal Social Media Activity Described as 'Alarming'
A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the United States to disclose personal social media profile details has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."
Compulsory Submission for ESTA Travelers
Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide details about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, submitting this information was optional.
"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."
He added, "This policy creates a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."
Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive
The plan stems from an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent possible."
Official Response and Justification
A spokesperson for the border agency offered context on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the public safe."
The spokesperson added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."
