Trump's Proposed Plan for World Cup Visitors to Reveal Social Media Histories Described as 'Alarming'
A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the United States to disclose their online profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."
Compulsory Submission for ESTA Applicants
Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide details about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, submitting this information was voluntary.
"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."
He continued, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to represent and it must be rescinded at once."
Origins in an Earlier Executive Order
The plan stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."
Official Response and Reasoning
A spokesperson for the border agency offered context on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson said. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the public secure."
The representative added, "The department 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 entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect additional information from foreign nationals using the visa waiver programme."
