Former President Trump's Proposed Policy for World Cup Tourists to Disclose Online Histories Labeled as 'Chilling'
A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the US to hand over their online profile details has been called "deeply troubling."
Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers
Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide details about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, submitting this data was voluntary.
"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."
He added, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."
Roots in an Previous Executive Order
The plan stems from an executive order issued by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."
Official Statement and Reasoning
A representative for the border agency provided clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people safe."
The spokesperson added, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, especially after the terrorist incident in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."
