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A recently unveiled mandate for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the United States to disclose their social media account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

According to the proposal, tourists from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit details about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this data was voluntary.

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

He continued, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The plan stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Official Statement and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered context on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the American people secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those coming into the country, particularly after the recent incident in the capital. The measure 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 non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."