🔗 Share this article

A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament fans journeying to the United States to disclose personal social media account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers

According to the proposal, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to submit details about social media accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, providing this data was voluntary.

"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head 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, "This policy creates a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The plan stems from an executive order issued by former President Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Government Statement and Reasoning

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the public secure."

The spokesperson added, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the recent attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."