Trump's Controversial Policy for World Cup Tourists to Reveal Social Media Histories Described as 'Alarming'

A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament fans journeying to the United States to disclose their online profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Travelers

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

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

He added, "The measure creates a climate of fear of monitoring that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Government Response and Reasoning

A representative for the border agency offered context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the United States," the official said. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the American people safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, especially after the recent incident in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."