Trump's Controversial Policy for World Cup Visitors to Reveal Social Media Activity Described as 'Alarming'
A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the US to disclose personal social media account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."
Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants
Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit information about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, providing this data was optional.
"These proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."
He added, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."
Roots in an Previous Executive Order
The plan follows an executive order issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."
Government Response and Justification
A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the public safe."
The representative added, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the recent incident in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."
