🔗 Share this article

A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the United States to disclose personal online profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Submission for ESTA Applicants

According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide details about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this information was optional.

"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "This policy creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be rescinded at once."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal follows an executive order issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Government Statement and Justification

A representative for the border agency offered context on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the United States," the official said. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people safe."

The representative added, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the recent attack in the capital. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."