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

A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the US to hand over their online account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide information about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this data was voluntary.

"These proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "This policy creates a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The plan follows an executive order signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Government Statement and Reasoning

A spokesperson for the border agency offered context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the United States," the official stated. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the public secure."

The spokesperson added, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the earlier directive to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect additional information from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."