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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup fans traveling to the United States to disclose their social media account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide details about social media 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, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

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of monitoring that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Government Response and Justification

A representative for the border agency provided clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the American people secure."

The spokesperson added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."