Trump's Controversial Policy for FIFA World Cup Visitors to Disclose Online Histories Labeled as 'Alarming'

A recently unveiled mandate for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the United States to disclose their social media profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, tourists from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide information about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this information was optional.

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

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of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Roots in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan stems from an executive order signed by former President Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Response and Reasoning

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson said. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the recent incident in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."