🔗 Share this article

A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament fans journeying to the United States to hand over their social media account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Submission for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide information about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, providing this data was voluntary.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that aims "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."

Official Response and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered context on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson said. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the public safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the recent incident in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."