🔗 Share this article

A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup supporters journeying to the US to disclose their online profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide information about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, submitting this information was voluntary.

"These proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

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of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The plan stems from an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."

Official Statement and Reasoning

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the official stated. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the public secure."

The representative further noted, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."