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

A newly proposed requirement for World Cup supporters traveling to the United States to hand over personal online profile details has been called "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers

Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide information about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, submitting this information was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan follows an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the United States are vetted and screened to the fullest extent possible."

Official Response and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the public secure."

The spokesperson added, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, especially after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."