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A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament fans traveling to the US to disclose personal social media account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Submission for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide details about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this information was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The proposal follows an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Official Response and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the country," the official stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the American people secure."

The representative further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, especially after the terrorist attack in the capital. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."