Former President Trump's Proposed Plan for World Cup Tourists to Reveal Social Media Activity Labeled as 'Chilling'
A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament fans journeying to the United States to hand over personal online account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."
Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants
According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide details about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this data was voluntary.
"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."
He added, "The measure creates a climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."
Roots in an Previous Executive Order
The proposal stems from an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."
Government Statement and Justification
A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson said. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the American people safe."
The spokesperson further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, especially after the terrorist attack in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals using the visa waiver programme."
