🔗 Share this article

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

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide information about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, providing this information was optional.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "This policy creates a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be rescinded at once."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal follows an executive order issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Response and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States," the official stated. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the American people safe."

The representative further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, especially after the recent attack in Washington DC. The measure is in line with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect additional information from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."