Trump's Proposed Policy for World Cup Tourists to Reveal Social Media Activity Described as 'Chilling'

A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament fans traveling to the United States to disclose their social media profile details has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide information about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, providing this information was voluntary.

"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded at once."

Roots in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan follows an executive order issued by former President 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."

Official Response and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson said. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the American people safe."

The representative added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, especially after the recent attack in Washington DC. The measure is in line with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."