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A recently unveiled mandate for soccer tournament supporters traveling to the United States to disclose their social media profile details has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Submission for Visa Waiver Travelers

According to the proposal, tourists from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to provide 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 profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, head of Football Supporters Europe. "Free speech and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He continued, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to represent and it must be rescinded immediately."

Origins in an Earlier Executive Order

The plan stems from an executive order issued by Donald Trump in January that seeks "to guarantee that all aliens wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the fullest extent possible."

Government Response and Justification

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided clarification on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson stated. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the first step in initiating a process to have new policy options to protect the American people safe."

The representative further noted, "We are continuously evaluating how we screen those entering the country, especially after the recent attack in the capital. The measure is consistent with the January 2025 directive to vet those who are entering this country using the visa waiver system by allowing CBP to gather additional information from non-US citizens using the ESTA program."