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A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament fans journeying to the United States to hand over personal social media account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Submission for ESTA Travelers

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 details about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this data was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech 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 introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Official Statement and Justification

A spokesperson 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 spokesperson said. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to keep the American people safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those entering the country, especially after the terrorist attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the earlier directive to vet those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals using the visa waiver programme."