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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup fans traveling to the US to hand over their online profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—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 held in the past five years. Until now, providing this information was voluntary.

"The US government's proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "This policy creates a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."

Official Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency provided clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed 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 starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the public safe."

The representative added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the recent attack in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."