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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup supporters journeying to the US to disclose their online profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide details about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this data was optional.

"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an executive order issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are vetted and screened to the fullest extent possible."

Official Response and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency provided context on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson said. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the American people safe."

The representative added, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist incident in the capital. The measure is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to vet those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."