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A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the US to hand over personal social media profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Submission for ESTA Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide information about social media accounts they have held in the past five years. Previously, providing this data was optional.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No football fan gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "The measure creates a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

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

Government Response and Justification

A representative for the border agency offered context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the country," the official stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the public secure."

The spokesperson added, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the recent attack in the capital. The measure is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to vet those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."