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A newly proposed mandate for World Cup supporters traveling to the United States to disclose personal social media account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission for ESTA Travelers

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

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "This policy creates a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be rescinded at once."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an executive order signed by former President Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Government Statement and Reasoning

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the official said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, especially after the recent attack in the capital. 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 gather additional information from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."