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A newly proposed requirement for World Cup supporters journeying to the United States to disclose personal online account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers

Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide details about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this data was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head 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 continued, "This policy creates a climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The plan follows an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent possible."

Government Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency offered clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those coming to the country," the official said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the public safe."

The spokesperson added, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."