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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup supporters traveling to the United States to disclose their social media profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Submission for ESTA Applicants

Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to submit information about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, submitting this information was voluntary.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "This policy creates a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal follows an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."

Government Statement and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the country," the spokesperson said. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the public safe."

The representative further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the recent incident in Washington DC. The measure is in line with the earlier directive 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 ESTA program."