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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup fans traveling to the US to disclose personal social media profile details has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Submission for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide information about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this data was voluntary.

"The US government's proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan follows an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Government Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency offered context on the matter. "This is not a change 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 initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the public secure."

The representative further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, especially after the recent incident in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."