Trump's Proposed Policy for FIFA World Cup Visitors to Reveal Social Media Activity Described as 'Alarming'
A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the United States to disclose personal online account information has been called "deeply troubling."
Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants
According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide information about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, submitting this data was optional.
"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."
He continued, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."
Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive
The plan stems from an executive order issued by former President Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree feasible."
Government Response and Justification
A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling 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 additional measures to protect the public safe."
The representative added, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the recent incident in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."
