Trump's Proposed Policy for World Cup Tourists to Disclose Social Media Activity Labeled as 'Alarming'
A newly proposed requirement for World Cup fans traveling to the US to hand over their social media profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."
Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Travelers
According to the proposal, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to submit information about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this information 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 of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."
He added, "This policy creates a climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to embody and it must be rescinded at once."
Origins in an Earlier Executive Order
The plan stems from an executive order issued by former President Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."
Official Response and Justification
A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those coming to the United States," the official stated. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the American people safe."
The representative added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, particularly 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 the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."
