Former President Trump's Proposed Plan for FIFA World Cup Tourists to Disclose Social Media Histories Labeled as 'Chilling'

A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament fans traveling to the United States to disclose personal online account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission for ESTA Applicants

According to the proposal, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide details about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, submitting this data was voluntary.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be rescinded at once."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an executive order issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree feasible."

Government Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the official said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the American people secure."

The representative further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist incident in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."