Former President Trump's Proposed Plan for World Cup Tourists to Disclose Social Media Activity Described as 'Alarming'
A newly proposed mandate for World Cup fans traveling to the US to disclose personal online account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."
Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers
Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit details about social media accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, providing this information was optional.
"These proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," stated 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 cross a border."
He continued, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."
Origins in an Earlier Executive Order
The plan stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree feasible."
Government Response and Reasoning
A representative for the border agency provided context on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the country," the official stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the public secure."
The spokesperson further noted, "The department are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, especially after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."