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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup fans journeying to the United States to hand over their social media account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide details about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this information was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

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that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Government Statement and Justification

A representative for the border agency offered context on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling 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 additional measures to keep the American people secure."

The representative 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 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."