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

Mandatory Submission for ESTA Travelers

According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit details about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this data was voluntary.

"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," said 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 climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan follows an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Government Response and Reasoning

A representative for the border agency offered context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the country," the official said. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the American people safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."