Trump's Controversial Policy for World Cup Visitors to Reveal Social Media Activity Labeled as 'Alarming'

A newly proposed requirement for World Cup supporters traveling to the United States to disclose their online account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory 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 held in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this information was voluntary.

"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

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

Government Response and Reasoning

A spokesperson for the border agency provided context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the country," the official stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the public safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. The measure is in line with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."