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A newly proposed requirement for World Cup fans journeying to the United States to disclose personal online account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Submission for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide information about social media accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, providing this data was optional.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," said 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, "This policy 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monitoring that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The proposal follows an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."

Official Response and Reasoning

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 United States," the spokesperson said. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have new policy options to protect the American people safe."

The spokesperson added, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect additional information from foreign nationals using the visa waiver programme."