🔗 Share this article

A newly proposed mandate for World Cup fans journeying to the US to hand over their online account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to submit details about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this information was optional.

"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree feasible."

Government Statement and Reasoning

A representative for the border agency provided clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those coming to the country," the spokesperson said. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the American people safe."

The representative added, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. The measure is in line with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."