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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup fans traveling to the United States to disclose their social media profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Submission for ESTA Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—including 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 past five years. Previously, submitting this information was voluntary.

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

He continued, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an executive order signed by former President Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."

Government Response and Reasoning

A representative for the border agency offered clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the United States," the official said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have new policy options to protect the public safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."