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A newly proposed requirement for World Cup supporters journeying to the United States to disclose their social media profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

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 online accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, submitting this information was voluntary.

"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal stems from an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the United States are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Response and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the United States," the official said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the public secure."

The representative added, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. 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 enabling CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."