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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup supporters journeying to the United States to disclose personal online account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

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

"These announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Official Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency provided clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the country," the spokesperson said. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have new policy options to protect the public secure."

The spokesperson added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the recent attack in Washington DC. The measure is in line with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."