Trump's Controversial Plan for World Cup Tourists to Reveal Social Media Activity Labeled as 'Alarming'
A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the United States to disclose personal social media account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."
Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers
Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide information about social media accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, providing this information was voluntary.
"These 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 football fan surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."
He continued, "The measure creates a climate of fear of monitoring that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."
Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive
The proposal stems from an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."
Official Statement and Justification
A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those coming to the country," the official stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the American people safe."
The spokesperson further noted, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals using the visa waiver programme."
