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A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the US to disclose their social media profile details has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission for ESTA Travelers

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

"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental 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surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The plan stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Government Response and Reasoning

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the American people safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into 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 entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."