Trump's Controversial Plan for FIFA World Cup Visitors to Disclose Social Media Activity Labeled as 'Chilling'
A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup fans journeying to the US to disclose personal social media account information has been called "deeply troubling."
Compulsory Submission for ESTA Travelers
According to the proposal, tourists from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide details about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this data was voluntary.
"These announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."
He added, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of monitoring that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."
Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive
The plan stems from an executive order issued by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."
Official Statement and Reasoning
A spokesperson 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 merely the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the public safe."
The representative further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, particularly after the recent incident in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."
