Trump's Proposed Policy for World Cup Visitors to Reveal Online Activity Labeled as 'Chilling'
A newly proposed mandate for World Cup fans traveling to the US to disclose personal social media profile details has been called "deeply troubling."
Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers
Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit details about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, submitting this information was optional.
"These announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."
He continued, "This policy creates a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."
Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive
The plan follows an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the United States are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."
Government Statement and Justification
A spokesperson for the border agency offered context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States," the official stated. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion 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, especially after the recent incident in Washington DC. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."
