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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup supporters traveling to the United States to hand over personal social media account information has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

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

"These proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Government Response and Reasoning

A representative for the border agency provided clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the country," the spokesperson said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the American people safe."

The representative added, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the recent attack in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."