Trump's Controversial Policy for FIFA World Cup Visitors to Reveal Online Histories Labeled as 'Alarming'

A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the US to disclose their online account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit details about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this data was voluntary.

"The US government's proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "The measure creates a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The plan follows an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree feasible."

Government Statement and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the public safe."

The spokesperson added, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those entering the country, especially after the terrorist incident in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."