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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup fans journeying to the United States to hand over personal social media account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver 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 submit details about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, providing this data was optional.

"These announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "This policy 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of monitoring that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded at once."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan follows an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Government Statement 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 coming to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the public secure."

The representative added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. The measure is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to vet those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."