Former President Trump's Proposed Policy for FIFA World Cup Visitors to Reveal Online Histories Labeled as 'Chilling'
A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup fans traveling to the US to hand over their online account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."
Mandatory Submission for ESTA Applicants
Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nationsโsuch as the UKโwho use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide details about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this information was voluntary.
"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."
He added, "The measure creates a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded at once."
Roots in an Previous Executive Order
The proposal follows an executive order issued by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the United States are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."
Official Statement and Reasoning
A representative for the border agency provided context on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the country," the official said. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the public safe."
The representative further noted, "The department are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the recent incident in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."
