Trump's Controversial Policy for FIFA World Cup Visitors to Disclose Social Media Histories Labeled as 'Alarming'

A newly proposed mandate for World Cup supporters traveling to the United States to disclose personal social media account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide information about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, submitting this data was optional.

"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "The measure creates a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The plan stems from an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."

Official Statement and Justification

A representative for the border agency provided context on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those coming to the country," the official said. "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 vet those entering the country, particularly after the recent attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."