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A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament fans traveling to the United States to disclose personal online account information has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to submit information about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this data was voluntary.

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

He continued, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."

Official Statement and Reasoning

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the country," the official said. "This is not a final rule, it is merely the initial phase in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the American people secure."

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