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

Compulsory Submission for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide information about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this information was optional.

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

He added, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Earlier Executive Order

The proposal stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."

Official Statement and Reasoning

A spokesperson for the border agency offered clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "It 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 further noted, "The department are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."