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A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the United States to disclose personal online profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to submit information about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this information was optional.

"These proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of monitoring that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an executive order issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Official Response and Reasoning

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the public safe."

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