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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup fans journeying to the United States to disclose personal social media profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission for ESTA Applicants

According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit information about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this data was voluntary.

"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals seeking admission the United States are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."

Government Statement and Justification

A representative for the border agency offered clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the country," the official said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the American people safe."

The representative further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, particularly after the recent incident in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."