Former President Trump's Controversial Plan for FIFA World Cup Tourists to Disclose Social Media Histories Labeled as 'Alarming'

A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament fans traveling to the US to disclose personal social media account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Submission for ESTA Applicants

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide details about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this information was optional.

"The US government's proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Government Statement and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered context on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the public safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, especially after the recent incident in the capital. The measure is in line with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."