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A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the US to hand over personal social media account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Submission for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to submit details about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, submitting this information was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Response 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 United States," the official stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the public safe."

The representative added, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."