Former President Trump's Controversial Policy for World Cup Tourists to Disclose Social Media Histories Described as 'Chilling'

A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament fans journeying to the United States to hand over personal social media account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide details about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, providing this information was optional.

"These proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "The measure creates a climate of fear of monitoring that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

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

Government Response and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the country," the official stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people safe."

The representative added, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."