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A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the US to disclose personal online account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

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 submit information about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this information was voluntary.

"The US government's proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "The measure creates a climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the United States are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."

Official Response and Reasoning

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those coming to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the public safe."

The representative added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, especially after the recent attack in Washington DC. This new proposal 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 foreign nationals using the ESTA program."