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A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament fans journeying to the US to disclose their online profile details has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Submission for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide details about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, providing this data was voluntary.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they cross a border."

He continued, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan follows an executive order signed by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Government Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency provided context on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "It 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 screen those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist incident in the capital. The measure is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect additional information from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."