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A newly proposed mandate for World Cup fans traveling to the United States to disclose personal online account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—including the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit information about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, providing this information was voluntary.

"These announced plans are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

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of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the World Cup is supposed to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent possible."

Government Statement and Justification

A representative for the border agency provided context on the issue. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the United States," the official stated. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the American people safe."

The spokesperson further noted, "The department are constantly looking at how we vet those coming into the country, especially after the recent incident in the capital. This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens applying through the visa waiver programme."