Plans to require football fans travelling to the United States for the World Cup to disclose their social media account history have been condemned as “profoundly unacceptable” by campaigners. Under the proposal, tourists from 42 countries, including the UK, who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Esta) would be obliged to provide details of accounts held in the past five years. Previously, such disclosure was optional.
Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe, said: “The US government’s announced plans are profoundly unacceptable. Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they cross a border.” He added that the policy introduces “a chilling atmosphere of surveillance” that contradicts the welcoming spirit the World Cup should embody.
The proposal follows an executive order from President Donald Trump in January seeking to ensure that all aliens seeking admission to the US are vetted “to the maximum degree possible”. A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said the measure is not a final rule but “the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people safe”. The spokesperson cited a terrorist attack in Washington DC against National Guard members as a driver for enhanced vetting.
CBP emphasised that the new proposal aligns with Executive Order 14161, allowing the agency to collect additional information from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme. Critics argue the plan infringes on human rights and could deter fans from attending the tournament.
