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

A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the United States to disclose their social media profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to submit information about social media accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, submitting this data was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "The measure creates a climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an executive order signed by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Official Response and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency provided clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States," the official stated. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the public safe."

The spokesperson added, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist attack in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."