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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup supporters traveling to the US to hand over their social media account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure 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 submit details about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, submitting this data was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "The measure creates 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of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be rescinded at once."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal follows an executive order issued by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree feasible."

Government Response and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency provided context on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the United States," the official said. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to protect the American people secure."

The representative added, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. The measure is in line with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."