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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup fans journeying to the US to disclose their social media profile details has been called "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Submission for ESTA Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide details about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, providing this data was optional.

"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan follows an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Official Statement and Reasoning

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the official said. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to protect the American people safe."

The spokesperson added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, especially after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."