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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup fans journeying to the US to hand over their online account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

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 required to submit details about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this data was voluntary.

"The US government's proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "This policy creates a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the United States are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."

Government Response and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered context on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson said. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the American people safe."

The representative further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."