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A newly proposed requirement for World Cup supporters journeying to the United States to hand over personal online profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Travelers

According to the proposal, visitors from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide information about online accounts they have held in the past five years. Until now, submitting this information was voluntary.

"These proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Roots in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan stems from an executive order signed by Donald Trump in early 2025 that aims "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the United States are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."

Government Response and Justification

A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offered clarification on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the American people safe."

The representative added, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."