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A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the US to disclose personal social media account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for ESTA Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to submit details about online accounts they have maintained in the past five years. Previously, submitting this information was voluntary.

"The US government's proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "This policy creates a climate of fear of monitoring that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all aliens 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 context on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the country," the official said. "It is not a final rule, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the American people secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those coming into the country, especially after the terrorist incident in Washington DC. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."