What's happened
The US government has proposed requiring travelers from 42 countries to submit five years of social media data, email addresses, phone numbers, and family details before entry. The move, linked to upcoming events like the 2026 World Cup, faces criticism over privacy and potential impact on international visitors.
What's behind the headline?
The US government's proposal to require social media and personal data from travelers signals a significant shift in border security policy, emphasizing surveillance over privacy. This move appears to be driven by concerns over security, but it risks alienating international visitors and fans, especially with major events like the World Cup and Olympics on the horizon. The timing suggests an attempt to leverage security measures for political or diplomatic leverage, potentially impacting the US's reputation as a welcoming host. The policy's broad scope and the inclusion of countries without visa requirements could deter tourism and international engagement, undermining economic benefits projected from the events. The response from organizations like Football Supporters Europe highlights the tension between security and human rights, emphasizing that such surveillance contradicts the open spirit of global sporting events. The outcome will depend on public feedback and political will, but the proposal is likely to face significant opposition, and its implementation could reshape international travel norms in the US.
What the papers say
The Mirror reports that the proposal could prevent many fans from attending the World Cup due to privacy concerns and fears of surveillance, with TikTok users expressing worries about the impact on attendance. Sky News highlights FIFA's celebration of the event, including entertainment and political figures, emphasizing the spectacle's scale and Trump's prominent role. Al Jazeera notes the attendance of US, Canadian, and Mexican leaders at the draw, with FIFA awarding Trump a peace prize, framing the event as a political spectacle. The Independent provides detailed insights into the draw process, the expanded tournament format, and the geopolitical implications, including the inclusion of new nations and the potential 'group of death.' The coverage collectively underscores the intersection of security policies, international diplomacy, and global sporting culture, illustrating how the US is positioning itself for the 2026 World Cup amidst domestic and international scrutiny.
How we got here
The proposal follows recent US immigration restrictions and aims to enhance security by collecting extensive personal data from travelers. It coincides with preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across North America, and reflects broader US efforts to tighten border controls and surveillance policies.
Go deeper
Common question
-
2026 World Cup: What to Expect from the Biggest Tournament Yet
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the largest and most exciting in history, with 48 teams competing across North America. Fans are eager to learn about the new format, the participating teams, and the key matchups. In this guide, we'll answer the most common questions about the upcoming tournament, including how the expanded format works, where the matches will be held, and what to watch for. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just curious about the event, here's everything you need to know about the 2026 World Cup.
-
What Are the Biggest News Stories Today?
Stay updated with the top headlines shaping the world today. From diplomatic tensions and major political events to cultural milestones and natural disasters, these stories are capturing global attention. Curious about how these events connect or what they mean for the future? Keep reading for clear, concise answers to your most pressing questions about today's news.
-
What Are the New US Social Media Data Rules for Travelers?
The US government has proposed new regulations requiring travelers from 42 countries to submit extensive social media information before entering the country. This move aims to enhance security but raises questions about privacy, international travel, and surveillance. Below, we explore what these rules entail, why they are being introduced, and how they might impact travelers worldwide.
-
Could new social media data rules lead to privacy breaches?
Recent proposals by the US government to require travelers from 42 countries to submit extensive social media data have raised concerns about privacy and security. While these measures aim to enhance border control, they also open up questions about potential privacy breaches and the impact on international visitors. Below, we explore the implications of these policies and what they mean for global privacy standards.
More on these topics
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Giovanni Vincenzo "Gianni" Infantino is a Swiss–Italian football administrator and the current president of FIFA. He was elected President of FIFA during the 2016 FIFA Extraordinary Congress on 26 February 2016.
-
FIFA is a non-profit organization which describes itself as an international governing body of association football, fútsal, beach soccer, and efootball. It is the highest governing body of football.
-
Mark Joseph Carney OC is an economist and banker who served as the Governor of the Bank of Canada from 2008 until 2013 and the Governor of the Bank of England from 2013 to 2020.
-
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo ( born 24 June 1962) is a Mexican politician, energy and climate change scientist, and academic who is the 66th and current president of Mexico since 2024. She is the first woman and the first Jewish person to hold the office....
-
Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southwestern Europe with some pockets of territory across the Strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean. Its continental European territory is situated on the Iberian Peninsula.
-
Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in both South America and Latin America. At 8.5 million square kilometers and with over 211 million people, Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by area and the sixth most
-
France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.
-
Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic, is a country located mostly in the southern half of South America. Sharing the bulk of the Southern Cone with Chile to the west, the country is also bordered by Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Brazil to the
-
Robert Peter Williams is an English singer-songwriter and entertainer. He found fame as a member of the pop group Take That from 1990 to 1995, but achieved greater commercial success with his solo career, beginning in 1996.
-
Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a country in the southern portion of North America. It is bordered to the north by the United States; to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; to the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.