Former President Trump's Controversial Policy for FIFA World Cup Visitors to Disclose Online Activity Described as 'Chilling'

A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the US to disclose personal social media profile details has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit details about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this information was optional.

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

He continued, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The proposal follows an executive order issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Official Response 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 implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people secure."

The representative added, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."