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

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide details about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, providing this information was optional.

"These announced plans 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 enter a country."

He continued, "The measure creates a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan follows an executive order issued by former President Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the United States are vetted and screened to the fullest extent possible."

Government Statement and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase 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 coming into the country, particularly after the recent attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."