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A newly proposed mandate for World Cup fans journeying to the US to hand over their social media profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

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

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," stated 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 cross a border."

He added, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal stems from an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Government Statement and Reasoning

A spokesperson for the border agency provided clarification on the matter. "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 first step in initiating a process to have new policy options to protect the public secure."

The representative further noted, "The department are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."