Trump's Proposed Policy for World Cup Visitors to Reveal Social Media Activity Labeled as 'Alarming'
A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament fans journeying to the United States to hand over personal online profile details has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."
Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants
Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit information about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, providing this information was optional.
"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."
He added, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."
Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive
The plan follows an executive order issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."
Government Response and Reasoning
A spokesperson for the border agency offered clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the American people secure."
The spokesperson added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the recent incident in the capital. The measure is in line with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals using the visa waiver programme."
