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A newly proposed requirement for World Cup fans traveling to the United States to disclose their online account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

According to the proposal, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide details about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this data was optional.

"These announced plans are deeply concerning," stated 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 introduces a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan stems from an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Government Response and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the country," the official said. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the American people secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in the capital. The measure is in line with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."