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A newly proposed requirement for World Cup supporters journeying to the US to hand over personal social media account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Submission for ESTA Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to provide information about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this data was voluntary.

"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "This policy creates a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan follows an executive order issued by Donald Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Official Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency provided context on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson said. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the public secure."

The spokesperson added, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the earlier Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."