Trump's Proposed Plan for World Cup Tourists to Reveal Online Histories Labeled as 'Chilling'
A recently unveiled mandate for soccer tournament fans traveling to the United States to hand over their online profile details has been called "deeply troubling."
Mandatory Submission for ESTA Applicants
Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit details about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this data was voluntary.
"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."
He added, "This policy creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."
Origins in an Earlier Executive Order
The plan stems from an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."
Government Response and Reasoning
A spokesperson for the border agency provided clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the country," the official said. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase 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 screen those entering the country, especially after the recent incident in the capital. The measure is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."
