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A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the United States to hand over their social media profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide information about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, submitting this data was voluntary.

"These announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to represent and it must be rescinded at once."

Origins in an Earlier Executive Order

The proposal stems from an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Government Response and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the country," the spokesperson said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the American people safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."