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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup fans traveling to the United States to hand over personal social media profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide information about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this information was voluntary.

"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "The measure creates a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan follows 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 possible."

Government Response and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to protect the public secure."

The representative added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in the capital. The measure is in line with the earlier Executive Order to vet 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."