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A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the United States to disclose personal social media profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide details about social media accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Until now, submitting this data was voluntary.

"The US government's proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

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of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal stems from an presidential directive issued by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all aliens seeking admission the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree feasible."

Government Response and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the country," the official stated. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the American people safe."

The spokesperson added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the recent incident in the capital. The measure is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."