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A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the United States to hand over their social media profile details has been called "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide details about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, providing this information was voluntary.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "The measure creates a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan follows an executive order issued by former President Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree feasible."

Official Response and Justification

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

The representative further noted, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, especially after the terrorist attack in the capital. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."