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A newly proposed requirement for World Cup fans traveling to the United States to hand over their online profile details has been called "deeply troubling."

Mandatory Submission for Visa Waiver Applicants

According to the proposal, visitors from 42 countries—such as 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 past five years. Until now, submitting this information was optional.

"The US government's announced plans are deeply concerning," said 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 creates a climate of fear of monitoring that directly contradicts the welcoming, open spirit the tournament is meant to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Roots in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an presidential directive signed by former President Trump in January that seeks "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the United States are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Official Response and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency offered context on the matter. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in initiating a process to have new policy options to keep the American people secure."

The spokesperson further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the terrorist 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 the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to collect further data from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."