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A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament supporters journeying to the United States to disclose their social media profile details has been branded "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, tourists from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the visa waiver program would be obliged to submit details about social media accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Until now, providing this data was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are universal human rights. No supporter surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

He added, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of monitoring that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is supposed to embody and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Previous Executive Order

The plan stems from an executive order issued by Donald Trump in January that aims "to ensure that all aliens seeking admission the United States are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree possible."

Government Statement and Reasoning

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the matter. "This is not a change on this subject for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the initial phase in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the American people secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are constantly looking at how we screen those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist attack in the capital. The measure is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals using the ESTA program."