Trump's Proposed Policy for FIFA World Cup Visitors to Reveal Social Media Activity Labeled as 'Alarming'
A newly proposed requirement for World Cup fans traveling to the United States to hand over their social media account information has been called "deeply troubling."
Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers
Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to submit information about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, providing this data was optional.
"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."
He continued, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."
Roots in an Previous Executive Order
The plan follows an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."
Official Response and Reasoning
A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the public secure."
The representative added, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist incident in the capital. The measure is consistent with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect additional information from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."
