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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup supporters journeying to the United States to hand over their social media profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide details about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, submitting this data was voluntary.

"The US government's proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal follows an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that aims "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the United States are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Response and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the official said. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the public secure."

The representative added, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. The measure is consistent with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."