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A recently unveiled mandate for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the United States to hand over their social media account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to submit details about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, providing this data was voluntary.

"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an executive order issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Response and Reasoning

A spokesperson for the border agency offered context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the official stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the public safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, especially after the terrorist attack in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the earlier directive to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."