Former President Trump's Proposed Policy for World Cup Tourists to Disclose Online Histories Described as 'Chilling'

A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup fans journeying to the United States to hand over their online profile details has been called "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide details about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this data was optional.

"The US government's proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan follows an executive order issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Official Statement and Reasoning

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the official stated. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the public safe."

The spokesperson added, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist incident in the capital. The measure is in line with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."