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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup supporters traveling to the United States to hand over their social media profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver 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 provide details about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this information was optional.

"The US government's proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," 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 introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan follows an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."

Government Statement and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered 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 final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the American people secure."

The representative further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, especially after the recent incident in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals using the visa waiver programme."