Trump's Proposed Plan for FIFA World Cup Tourists to Reveal Online Activity Labeled as 'Chilling'

A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup fans journeying to the United States to hand over personal online account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide details about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, submitting this information was optional.

"These announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "This policy creates a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be rescinded at once."

Roots in an Earlier Executive Order

The proposal stems from an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency offered context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the country," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the recent attack in the capital. The measure is in line with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."