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A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament fans traveling to the US to disclose personal social media account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission for ESTA Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to submit details about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this data was optional.

"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "This policy creates a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Official Statement and Reasoning

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the country," the official said. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the public secure."

The representative added, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist attack in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather further data from non-US citizens applying through the ESTA program."