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A recently unveiled mandate for World Cup fans journeying to the United States to disclose their online account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Disclosure for Visa Waiver Applicants

Under the plan, visitors from dozens of nations—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be obliged to provide information about online accounts they have maintained in the last five-year period. Previously, providing this data was optional.

"These proposed measures are deeply concerning," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right of privacy are universal human rights. No football fan surrenders those rights just because they cross a border."

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of surveillance that directly contradicts the inclusive atmosphere the tournament is meant to represent and it must be rescinded at once."

Origins in an Earlier Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an executive order issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the US are vetted and screened to the maximum degree feasible."

Official Statement and Justification

A spokesperson for the border agency offered clarification on the issue. "Nothing has changed on this front for those traveling to the United States," the spokesperson said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is simply the initial phase in starting a discussion to have additional measures to protect the public secure."

The representative further noted, "We are constantly looking at how we vet those entering the country, particularly after the recent attack in Washington DC. This new proposal is consistent with the earlier directive to thoroughly check those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to gather further data from foreign nationals applying through the visa waiver programme."