A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament fans traveling to the United States to disclose their social media profile details has been called "deeply troubling."
Compulsory Submission for ESTA Travelers
According to the proposal, tourists from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide information about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this data was voluntary.
"These announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."
He added, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded at once."
Roots in an Earlier Executive Order
The proposal stems from an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."
Official Response and Justification
A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the public safe."
The spokesperson further noted, "We are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the recent incident in the capital. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."
