A plan requiring fans traveling to the United States for the World Cup to disclose information about your social media accounts was described as “completely unacceptable”.
Travelers from 42 countries, including the UK, who use the Electronic Travel Authorization (Esta) system under the Visa Waiver Scheme will be required to provide details of accounts they have held over the past five years on their applications. Previously, providing information was optional.
Ronan Evein, chief executive of Football Supporters Europe, said: “The plans announced by the US government are deeply unacceptable. Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No football fan gives up these rights just because they cross a border.
“This policy creates an intimidating surveillance environment that is in direct opposition to the welcoming and open spirit World Cup intended to be implemented and it must be immediately withdrawn.”
This sentence follows Donald Trump's decree in January, which aims to “ensure that all aliens seeking to enter the United States or already present in the United States are screened and screened to the maximum extent possible.”
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) spokesperson said, “Nothing has changed on this front for those coming into the United States. This is not a final rule, it is simply a first step in beginning discussions on new policy options to keep the American people safe. The Department is continually looking at how we screen those coming into the country, especially after terrorist attack in Washington, DC against our National Guard right before Thanksgiving.
“This new proposal is consistent with Executive Order 14161 of January 2025 to screen those who travel to this country using the Electronic Travel Authorization (Esta) system by allowing CBP to collect additional information from non-U.S. citizens applying under the Visa Waiver Program from eligible countries.”
