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A newly proposed mandate for World Cup fans journeying to the United States to disclose personal social media account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Travelers

Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide information about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, submitting this information was voluntary.

"The US government's proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded at once."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal stems from an executive order issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Government Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the country," the official said. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the public secure."

The representative added, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in the capital. The measure is in line with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."