US Proposes Social Media Disclosure for World Cup Tourists Under ESTA
The United States government has proposed a new policy requiring World Cup tourists from 42 ESTA-participating countries, including the UK, to disclose their social media accounts held in the past five years as part of their ESTA applications. ESTA, used under the visa waiver program for travellers to the US, currently allows this information to be optional.
The policy is linked to the upcoming World Cup 2026, which the US is co-hosting. This proposal follows Executive Order 14161 issued by Donald Trump in January 2025, aimed at maximizing the vetting of non-citizens entering or present in the US via ESTA, including collecting additional information.
A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) spokesperson clarified that no changes have been implemented yet, emphasizing that this is not a final rule but an initial step to explore new policy options for enhanced vetting, citing security concerns following a National Guard-related incident before Thanksgiving.
Ronan Evain of Football Supporters Europe criticized the proposal, calling it profoundly unacceptable and an infringement on freedom of expression and privacy rights. He described the atmosphere created by the proposal as chilling and urged its withdrawal.
The article frames this initiative as part of a broader effort to strengthen vetting procedures for entrants to the United States in the context of major international events.
