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A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament fans journeying to the United States to disclose their online profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide details about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, providing this data was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

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of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

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

Government Statement and Justification

A representative 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 United States," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the public safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the recent attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect additional information from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."