Former President Trump's Proposed Plan for World Cup Tourists to Disclose Social Media Activity Described as 'Alarming'

A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup fans journeying to the United States to disclose personal social media profile details has been called "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

According to the proposal, 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 past five years. Until now, providing 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 football fan surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "This policy creates a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Executive Order

The proposal stems from an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that aims "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."

Official Response and Reasoning

A representative for the border agency offered context on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the country," the official said. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the public secure."

The spokesperson added, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."