Former President Trump's Controversial Policy for FIFA World Cup Visitors to Disclose Social Media Histories Described as 'Alarming'
A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament fans traveling to the US to disclose their online profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."
Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants
Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—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 voluntary.
"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."
He continued, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."
Roots in an Earlier Executive Order
The plan follows an executive order issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."
Government Statement and Reasoning
A spokesperson for the border agency offered clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the country," the official stated. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the American people safe."
The spokesperson added, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."
