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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup fans journeying to the United States to hand over personal social media account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Submission for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit information about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, providing this information was voluntary.

"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan stems from an executive order issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Response and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson said. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to protect the American people safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the recent attack in Washington DC. The measure is in line with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."