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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup fans journeying to the United States to disclose personal online account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to submit details about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, submitting this data was voluntary.

"The US government's 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 supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."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 follows an executive order issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Government Response and Justification

A representative for the border agency offered clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the United States," the official said. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the public secure."

The spokesperson added, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. The measure is in line with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."