Trump's Proposed Plan for FIFA World Cup Visitors to Disclose Online Activity Described as 'Chilling'
A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament fans traveling to the US to disclose their social media profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."
Mandatory Submission for ESTA Travelers
Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to submit details about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this data 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 universal human rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."
He added, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."
Origins in an Previous Executive Order
The plan follows an executive order issued by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."
Official Response and Justification
A representative for the border agency offered clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the official said. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the public safe."
The representative further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, especially after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. The measure is in line with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."