Former President Trump's Proposed Policy for World Cup Tourists to Reveal Social Media Histories Labeled as 'Alarming'

A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament fans traveling to the US to disclose their social media profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Submission for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit information about social media accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, submitting this data was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan follows an executive order issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Government Response and Justification

A representative for the border agency provided clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the public safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the recent attack in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect additional information from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."