Former President Trump's Controversial Policy for World Cup Visitors to Reveal Social Media Histories Described as 'Alarming'
A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the United States to hand over their social media profile details has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."
Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants
According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—including 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 information was optional.
"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."
He continued, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."
Roots in an Previous Executive Order
The plan follows an executive order signed by former President Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."
Government Response and Justification
A representative for the border agency offered clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the American people secure."
The representative further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those entering the country, especially after the terrorist attack in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."
