Former President Trump's Proposed Policy for FIFA World Cup Tourists to Disclose Online Activity Labeled as 'Chilling'
A newly proposed requirement for World Cup supporters traveling to the US to hand over their social media account information has been called "deeply troubling."
Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers
According to the proposal, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to submit details about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, providing this data was voluntary.
"These announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."
He added, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."
Roots in an Earlier Executive Order
The proposal stems from an executive order issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."
Official Response and Justification
A representative for the border agency offered clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the public safe."
The spokesperson added, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, particularly after the recent incident 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 enabling CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."
