Former President Trump's Controversial Policy for FIFA World Cup Visitors to Reveal Social Media Histories Labeled as 'Alarming'
A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament fans traveling to the United States to disclose their social media account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."
Mandatory Submission for ESTA Applicants
Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide information about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, submitting this data was optional.
"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."
He continued, "This policy creates a climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to represent and it must be rescinded at once."
Origins in an Previous Executive Order
The proposal follows an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."
Government Response and Justification
A representative for the border agency offered context on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the country," the official stated. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the American people secure."
The representative added, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, especially after the terrorist 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 gather further data from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."
