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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup supporters journeying to the US to disclose personal social media profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Submission for ESTA Applicants

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 submit details about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, providing this information was optional.

"These proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is meant to represent and it must be rescinded at once."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The plan stems from an executive order issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are vetted and screened to the fullest extent possible."

Official Statement and Reasoning

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the country," the official stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."