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A recently unveiled requirement for World Cup fans traveling to the United States to hand over their online profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, tourists from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to submit information about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this information was optional.

"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded at once."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent feasible."

Government Response and Reasoning

A representative for the border agency provided context on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those coming to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the public safe."

The spokesperson added, "The department are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, especially after the recent attack in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by enabling CBP to collect additional information from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."