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A recently unveiled mandate for soccer tournament fans journeying to the United States to hand over personal online profile details has been branded "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to submit details about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this information was optional.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "The measure introduces a climate of fear of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to embody and it must be withdrawn immediately."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The proposal stems from an executive order issued by Donald Trump in January that aims "to guarantee that all foreign nationals seeking admission the US are vetted and screened to the fullest extent feasible."

Official Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency provided clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson said. "It is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the American people safe."

The spokesperson added, "The department are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, especially after the recent attack 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 enabling CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."