🔗 Share this article

A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the United States to hand over personal social media profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers

Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit information about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, submitting this data was voluntary.

"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."

Official Statement and Justification

A representative for the border agency offered context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the United States," the official said. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the public secure."

The representative added, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist incident in the capital. The measure is consistent with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."