🔗 Share this article

A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the US to disclose personal social media account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Submission for ESTA Travelers

According to the proposal, 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 past five years. Previously, submitting this data was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The plan stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the United States are vetted and screened to the fullest extent possible."

Government Response and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the public safe."

The spokesperson added, "We are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist incident in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 directive to vet 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."