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A newly proposed requirement for World Cup supporters journeying to the US to hand over their social media account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide information about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, submitting this data was optional.

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

He continued, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan follows an executive order signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Government Statement and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the official stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the public safe."

The representative added, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, especially after the terrorist incident in the capital. The measure is in line with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather additional information from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."