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A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the US to hand over personal online profile details has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission for ESTA Applicants

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to submit details about social media accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, submitting this data was optional.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "The measure creates a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to represent and it must be rescinded at once."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an executive order issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Government Response and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the American people safe."

The representative further noted, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the recent attack in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."