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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup supporters journeying to the US to disclose their social media profile details has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Travelers

According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide information about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this information was optional.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Government Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those coming to the United States," the official stated. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the public secure."

The representative further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, especially after the recent incident in the capital. The measure is consistent with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals using the visa waiver programme."