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A newly proposed requirement for soccer tournament fans journeying to the United States to disclose their online account information has been called "profoundly unacceptable."

Compulsory Submission for ESTA Travelers

Under the plan, tourists from 42 countries—such as the UK—who use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) would be required to submit details about online accounts they have held in the last five-year period. Previously, submitting this data was optional.

"The US government's proposed measures are profoundly unacceptable," stated Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "Freedom of expression and the right to privacy are fundamental rights. No supporter gives up those rights just because they enter a country."

He added, "The measure introduces a chilling atmosphere of surveillance that fundamentally opposes the welcoming, open spirit the World Cup is supposed to represent and it must be withdrawn at once."

Origins in an Previous Presidential Directive

The plan stems from an presidential directive issued by former President Trump in early 2025 that seeks "to ensure that all aliens wishing to enter the US are thoroughly checked to the maximum degree feasible."

Government Statement and Reasoning

A representative for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided context on the matter. "This is not a change on this front for those traveling to the country," the spokesperson said. "This is not a implemented policy, it is merely the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to protect the public secure."

The spokesperson added, "We are continuously evaluating how we vet those entering the country, especially after the recent incident in the capital. The measure is in line with the earlier directive to vet those who are coming into this country using ESTA by allowing CBP to collect additional information from foreign nationals applying through the ESTA program."