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A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament fans journeying to the United States to hand over their social media account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission for ESTA 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 information about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this data was optional.

"These announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an executive order issued by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Government Response and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the official stated. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the American people safe."

The spokesperson added, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist incident 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 foreign nationals using the visa waiver programme."