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A recently unveiled requirement for soccer tournament fans traveling to the United States to disclose their online account information has been called "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—including the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide details about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Until now, submitting this data was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are fundamental rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "This policy introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be rescinded at once."

Roots in an Earlier Executive Order

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

Official Statement and Justification

A representative for the border agency provided context on the issue. "This is not a change on this subject for those coming to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "It is not a final rule, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have additional measures to keep the American people secure."

The representative added, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, especially after the recent attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is consistent with the January 2025 directive to thoroughly check those who are entering this country using ESTA by enabling CBP to collect further data from non-US citizens using the visa waiver programme."