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A newly proposed mandate for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the US to hand over personal online profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

According to the proposal, tourists from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be required to provide information about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this information was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "The measure creates a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Previous Executive Order

The proposal stems from an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree feasible."

Government Statement and Reasoning

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people safe."

The spokesperson added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect additional information from foreign nationals using the visa waiver programme."