Former President Trump's Proposed Policy for FIFA World Cup Tourists to Reveal Online Activity Described as 'Alarming'
A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament fans traveling to the US to disclose personal online profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."
Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants
Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit information about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, submitting this data was optional.
"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, executive director 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, "The measure creates a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."
Roots in an Previous Executive Order
The plan follows an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."
Official Statement and Justification
A spokesperson for the border agency offered clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the public safe."
The representative further noted, "We are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."