Former President Trump's Controversial Policy for World Cup Visitors to Disclose Social Media Histories Labeled as 'Alarming'

A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup supporters traveling to the United States to hand over personal social media profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide details about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, providing this information was optional.

"These announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "This policy creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The plan stems from an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."

Official Statement and Justification

A representative for the border agency offered clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the recent incident in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."