Trump's Proposed Policy for FIFA World Cup Visitors to Disclose Social Media Histories Labeled as 'Chilling'

A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup fans traveling to the United States to disclose their online profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—such as 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 last five-year period. Until now, submitting this data was optional.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded at once."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an executive order issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Government Statement and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered context on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson said. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the public secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."