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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup supporters journeying to the US to hand over their social media account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—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 last five-year period. Until now, providing this data was optional.

"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded at once."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal follows an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Statement and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the American people safe."

The representative further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist incident in the capital. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."