🔗 Share this article

A newly proposed mandate for World Cup supporters traveling to the United States to disclose their social media profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide information about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this data was voluntary.

"These 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 supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "This policy creates a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The plan stems from an executive order issued by Donald Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Government Response and Justification

A representative for the border agency provided context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people secure."

The representative further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, especially after the recent incident in Washington DC. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier directive to vet those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."