Trump's Controversial Plan for FIFA World Cup Visitors to Reveal Online Activity Labeled as 'Alarming'

A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament fans traveling to the US to disclose their online account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide details about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this information was optional.

"These 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, "This policy creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal follows an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."

Government Statement and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the United States," the official stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to protect the American people secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the recent incident in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."