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A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the United States to disclose their online account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

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

"These proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, head 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 added, "This policy creates a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal follows an executive order signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."

Government Statement and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson said. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have new policy options to protect the public secure."

The spokesperson 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 January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."