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A newly proposed mandate for World Cup fans traveling to the United States to disclose their online profile details has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Submission for ESTA Applicants

Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide information about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, providing this information was optional.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "The measure creates a climate of fear of monitoring that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The proposal follows an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."

Official Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency provided clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson said. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the American people safe."

The spokesperson added, "We are constantly looking at how we vet those entering the country, especially after the terrorist attack in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."