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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup fans journeying to the United States to disclose their social media profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Submission for ESTA Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide details about social media accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, submitting this data was optional.

"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head 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 creates a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The proposal follows an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the United States are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."

Government Statement and Reasoning

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson said. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the American people secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, especially after the terrorist attack in the capital. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."