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A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament fans traveling to the US to hand over their online account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Travelers

Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide information about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this information was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "This policy creates a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded at once."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal stems from an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Official Response and Justification

A representative for the border agency offered context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the United States," the official said. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the American people secure."

The spokesperson added, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those entering the country, especially after the terrorist attack in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."