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A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament fans traveling to the United States to disclose their online account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to submit information about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this data was voluntary.

"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "This policy creates a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Executive Order

The proposal stems from an executive order signed by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Official Response and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency provided context on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the American people safe."

The spokesperson added, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 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 visa waiver programme."