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A newly proposed mandate for World Cup supporters journeying to the United States to disclose personal online profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Travelers

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide information about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this information 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 to privacy are universal human rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The plan stems from an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Statement and Reasoning

A spokesperson for the border agency provided context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States," the official stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the public safe."

The spokesperson added, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, especially after the recent incident in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals using the visa waiver programme."