🔗 Share this article

A newly proposed mandate for World Cup supporters journeying to the United States to hand over personal online profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit information about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, providing this information was voluntary.

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

He continued, "The measure creates a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The plan stems from an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent possible."

Government Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency provided clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the country," the official said. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the American people safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department 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 earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."