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

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit information about social media accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this data was voluntary.

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

He continued, "This policy introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan follows an presidential directive signed by Donald Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible."

Official Response and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to protect the American people secure."

The spokesperson added, "We are constantly looking at how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the recent incident in the capital. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."